Big Island Fire Evacuations, Closures And Shelter Updates

Fires in North and South Kohala spurred evacuations and road closures in the area.

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Fires in North and South Kohala spurred evacuations and road closures in the area.

Hawaii County has lifted all fire-related evacuation orders and road closures following a severe weather emergency proclamation on the island.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, acting as governor while Gov. Josh Green was traveling, issued a state emergency proclamation early Wednesday and called the event “an unprecedented disaster.” Green, who represented the Kona area for a decade as a legislator, cut his trip short and was scheduled to return Wednesday night, according to a statement from the governor’s office.

Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth issued mandatory evacuation orders Tuesday as firefighters battled flames fueled by the dry winds of a hurricane passing south of the islands.

Hawaii County fire department patch during a gathering of fire chiefs at Governor David Ige's Governor David Y. Ige held a ceremony today with fire chiefs from across the islands, issuing a proclamation designating October 9-15, 2022, as Fire Prevention Week in the State of Hawaii. Governor Ige was joined by the State Fire Council. Led by the four county Fire Chiefs, the State Fire Council advises the Governor and Legislature on fire prevention and protection.
Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth had issued two mandatory evacuation orders as of Tuesday due to ongoing fires on Hawaii Island. (Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022)

Strong, dry winds from Hurricane Dora had fueled fire conditions midweek, but National Weather Service officials anticipated a more normal pattern of trade winds Thursday through Friday as the hurricane barrelled away from Hawaii, officials said in a Wednesday afternoon forecast.

Big Island Evacuation Orders

  • All evacuation orders were lifted as of Wednesday night.

Big Island Evacuation Centers

  • All emergency shelters were closed as of Wednesday night.

Big Island Road Closures

  • All roads were reopened as of Wednesday night.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates or visit the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency hazard impact map.

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