HONOLULU — The color red will illuminate Honolulu Hale from sundown on Oct. 8 to sunrise on Oct. 14 following the request of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi in recognition of Fire Prevention Week.

On Oct. 14, the public can learn more about fire safety at a Family Day at the Honolulu Zoo. 

What You Need To Know

  • Honolulu Hale will be illuminated in red from sundown on Oct. 8 to sunrise on Oct. 14 for Fire Prevention Week

  • On Oct. 14, the public can learn more about fire safety at a Family Day at the Honolulu Zoo

  • This year's theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention”

  • Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires across the nation according to Honolulu Fire Department Chief Sheldon Hao

The City and County of Honolulu said in a news release that Fire Prevention Week coincides with the Great Chicago Fire on Oct. 8, 1871, which killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 people homeless and burned more than 17,400 structures.

In Hawaii, fires are on the mind of residents after the devastating Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire, which killed a confirmed 98 people. However, Fire Prevention Week is recognized annually in Honolulu and across the U.S. Fire Prevention Week focuses on fire safety awareness and making communities safer.

In 2023, the theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.” The aim is to educate people about staying safe while cooking. 

“The devastating impact of fire is top of mind for all of us right now,” Blangiardi said. “Our hearts go out to our friends and families on Maui who have lost so much. Whether it is a wildland fire or cooking fire, flames have the potential to do so much damage very quickly.”

The mayor also said individual action is necessary to create a safer community through prevention, preparedness and effective emergency response. He also thanked the Honolulu Fire Department personnel for their service.

“As always, the men and women of the Honolulu Fire Department remain committed to protecting the public and our communities near and far,” Honolulu Fire Department Chief Sheldon Hao said. 

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires across the nation, according to Hao. He said firefighters respond to more than 150,000 of these home fires annually. 

More information and safety tips are available on the Honolulu Fire Department’s website.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.