Debunking the Top 5 myths about wildfires and Public Safety Power Shutoffs

Debunking the Top 5 myths about wildfires and Public Safety Power Shutoffs

Hawaiian Electric and Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization separate fact from fiction to better understand wildfire risks

(Joint news release issued with the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization)

Release Date: 6/17/2025

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HONOLULU, June 17, 2025 - While summer brings increased awareness of wildfires, misconceptions about their causes, impacts and prevention strategies, such as Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), continue to persist. Hawaiian Electric and the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) are addressing five of the most widely held myths about wildfires and urge the public to be prepared.

"The more we know, the more we can prepare. By working together as a community, we can increase our awareness of the risks of wildfires and take steps to protect ourselves," said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president and chief operations officer.

"Now that public awareness of the threat of wildfires is growing, it's critical we ground that urgency in good information and shared action. This is a long-term challenge, but if we care, learn, and work together, we can protect what we love and build lasting resilience," said Elizabeth Pickett, HWMO executive director.

Myth 1: There's plenty of time to prepare for wildfires
Although public awareness of wildfires peaks during the summer, they can happen suddenly at any time. Review your emergency plans and take steps to protect your home or business. Wildfires can spread rapidly, so have a "go bag" with essential items and be ready to evacuate with little notice. Waiting too long to evacuate can expose you to more risk and create additional traffic that impedes the efforts of first responders. Download Hawaiian Electric's Handbook for Emergency Preparedness and visit HWMO's website for information about wildfire safety.

Myth 2: Wildfires and Public Safety Power Shutoffs only occur during Red Flag warnings
Wildfires aren't limited to Red Flag warnings. They can occur at any time, not just during summer months or other periods of hot, dry weather. As a last line of defense, Hawaiian Electric may proactively shutoff power in high-risk areas to reduce the risk of ignitions that may cause wildfires, a procedure referred to as a Public Safety Power Shutoff. A Red Flag warning does not automatically trigger a PSPS. The three primary criteria for determining a PSPS are:

• Persistent drought conditions
• Wind gusts 45 mph and higher
• Relatively humidity below 45%

Visit Hawaiian Electric's website for more information about the PSPS program and maps of PSPS zones on Oahu, Hawaii Island and Maui County.

Myth 3: As soon as weather conditions improve, there's no risk of fire and any power outages can be restored immediately
The threat of fire weather may pass but dangerous conditions may remain. If high winds caused any power outages or a PSPS was activated, any damage to the electric system must be repaired before power can be restored. Turning on the power too early may result in sparks that can start a fire. Crews must visually inspect power lines to ensure everything is safe before power can be restored, a process that can only be done during daylight hours. This may result in extended outages, possibly lasting overnight. Click here for more information about the power restoration process.

Myth 4: Wildfires only happen in certain areas
While certain hot, dry areas face higher risks, historical data shows wildfires have occurred across each major island in Hawaii. Regardless of their location, residents and businesses should be prepared in case a wildfire breaks out nearby. More communities are banding together to take action. The Firewise program helps communities adapt to dealing with wildfire risks and encourages neighbors to work together and take action to prevent losses. In Hawaii, 30 communities have joined a nationwide network of more than 1,500 Firewise sites. To learn more about the Firewise program and reducing wildfire risks in your neighborhood, visit HWMO's website.

Myth 5: It's someone else's job to prevent wildfires
Everyone has a role in preventing wildfires. Government, utilities, first responders and public service agencies prepare year-round to prevent and respond to hazards of all types. In February, HWMO brought together stakeholders from across the state for a summit to strategize and share information. Hawaiian Electric is implementing a multi-year strategy to harden its grids and reduce the risk of wildfires associated with utility infrastructure. Residents and businesses can do their part by being prepared and taking steps to reduce risks in communities.