The U.S. Drought Monitor recently reported that severe drought conditions are now impacting the southern and western coastal areas of Maui.

State Division of Forestry and Wildlife State Protection Forester Mike Walker explained, “It’s no surprise we’re seeing wildland fires ignite in areas that are seeing worsening drought conditions.

“Forecasters continue to predict things will get worse before they get better, with an expectation that more severe drought conditions will plague larger areas of the state into late summer, early fall and even through next winter.”

Right now, the West Maui Mountains and Central Maui are experiencing moderate drought conditions, while East Maui is designated as abnormally dry.

The entire island of Kahoolawe is abnormally dry, as are the western areas of Lanai and Molokai, with a thin strip of southwestern Molokai experiencing severe drought.

According to the state, wildfires are a threat year-round in Hawaii due to climate-change fueled conditions. Firefighting agencies like DOFAW and county Fire Departments urge people to be cautious and avoid igniting wildfires.

Virtually all wildfires in Hawaii are started by people, mostly by accident. The chief causes are fireworks; heat from vehicle exhaust that can ignite dry grass; sparks from machinery like weed whackers, chain saws, grinders, welding equipment and all-terrain vehicles; and unattended campfires or barbecues.

The Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization is the state’s central clearinghouse for information on wildland fires. Go to its website, https://www.hawaiiwildfire.org, for information on being fire safe and how to sign up for a free wildfire property assessment.