Mitigation Activities at Home
Each year, homes and businesses across the State
of Hawaii are endangered by hundreds of wildland fires, particularly
during periods of little or no rainfall. Residents can mitigate
the effect of wildland fires by properly discarding
their cigarette butts, as well as with activities in their
yard, gutters,
roof, and landscape.
Properly discard your cigarette
butt in the appropriate receptacle. Cigarette butts start
many of the wildland fires on Oahu.
Clear debris around your
house. Shrubs, brush, and combustible debris on your property
should be removed – especially within a radius of 30 feet at the
base of your home. A contractor will usually charge $300-$500
to trim a large tree ($1000-$2000 to remove it). Trees maintained
by the City or the State may not be pruned or removed by homeowners.
Homeowners should contact the city’s tree trimming service at
971-7151 to report a hazardous tree. Click
here for additional information.
Clean roof and gutters regularly,
to prevent accumulation of leaves that may become a fire hazard.
Install a Fire Resistant Roof.
When wildfires and brush fires spread to houses, it is often because
burning branches, leaves, and other debris are carried by the
wind and fall on roofs. If the roof of your house is covered with
wood or asphalt shingles, you should consider replacing them with
fire-resistant materials. Contact the County Building Division
at 523-4505 to obtain a permit needed when changing the type of
roofing material. Call local contractor for more information and
a price quote or click
here for more information.
Plant a Fire Safe Landscape.
A fire safe landscape isn't necessarily the same as a well-manicured
yard. A fire safe landscape uses fire resistant plants that are
strategically planted to resist the spread of fire to your home.
The good news is that you don't need a lot of money to make your
landscape fire safe. And you will find that a fire safe landscape
can increase your property value and conserve water while beautifying
your home. Ask your local nursery or a landscape contractor for
assistance. Anyone with questions about home fire hazards or creating
a family emergency plan can call the Fire Prevention Bureau at
831-7765 or the Honolulu Fire Department: at 831-7784.