Residents of Hawaii are actively responding to the increasingly severe wildfire threat through the “Firewise USA” program. This program was initiated by the National Fire Protection Association of the United States to help communities assess fire risks and formulate disaster reduction measures. For instance, the residents of the Kashikinui community cleared 12 tons of combustible waste, while the village of Waikeloya reduced the fire hazard through vegetation management and house renovation. Experts point out that collaboration within the community is crucial because the embers of wildfires often ignite around houses rather than in direct flames.
Despite the high enthusiasm of the community, the implementation of fire prevention measures still faces financial and coordination challenges. The Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) supports residents in clearing garbage or removing dangerous trees through small grants, but many families still struggle to afford the high costs of renovation. Furthermore, residents’ complacency and insufficient maintenance of public land have also hindered progress. However, successful cases show that community autonomous actions can promote the participation of larger stakeholders, such as governments and enterprises starting to invest in fire protection infrastructure.
Thirty-one communities in Hawaii have joined “Firewise”, doubling the number before the Lahaina fire in previous years. As climate change intensifies the risk of wildfires, such grassroots actions have become key to enhancing resilience. Experts stress that every dollar invested in disaster prevention can reduce post-disaster losses by 13 dollars, and call for more funds to support community fire prevention renovations to deal with future extreme fire threats.
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