Episode 116: HFD Chief Hao on the Māʻili wildfire and tips to protect your 'ohana and property

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, July 11, 2025

This week, Honolulu Fire Department Fire Chief Kalani Hao joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to talk about the recent wildfire in Māʻili, what to do if you spot a brushfire, and tips to protect your ‘ohana and property ahead of future threats.

Māʻili Wildfire

On July 6, 2025, the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) received a 911 call at 2:33 p.m. for a wildland fire near 87-253 Pa‘akea Road in Mā‘ili and initially responded with three units staffed with nine personnel. The first unit arrived at the scene at 2:42 p.m., reported an active wildland fire, requested additional resources and commenced an offensive fire attack. 

“Total response ended up being a total of 29 units being sent,” explained Chief Hao. “And we ended up bringing multiple battalion chiefs to come over and manage the scene – it was just so complex.”

The fire was fully contained at 1:24 a.m. on Monday, July 7. Also on Monday, officials confirmed the death of a 94-year-old woman who suffered smoke inhalation and second-degree burns from the blaze.

What to do when a wildfire approaches

The first thing to do when a wildfire approaches is to report it. You may be the first one to spot a fire or “hot spot,” so call 911 immediately if you see a fire, even if it’s a small one.

“First things first, just notify, so call 911,” said Chief Hao. “Let us get our units responding so we can help take care of the issue.”

Chief Hao goes on to encourage people to listen to emergency officials. If they instruct you to evacuate, leave your home immediately and if you feel threatened, to self-evacuate.

Ready, Set, Go!

Unmanaged vegetation between and around homes increases the risk of wildland fire spreading but there are steps you can take today to protect your ‘ohana and property ahead of future threats. On this episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Chief Hao talks about HFD’s relationship with the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization.

“They have a guide on instructing people (on) what to do, making your “go bags,” and how to create a defensible space around your home,” added Hao.

For more information or resources from the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, visit https://www.hwmo.org/ or head to the Honolulu Fire Department’s website at https://fire.honolulu.gov/