Hawaiian Electric called a Public Safety Power Shutoff event for West Maui around noon Wednesday ahead of potentially hazardous wildfire conditions. This is reportedly the first time the utility has initiated PSPS since the deadly Maui wildfires.

HECO expects to activate its Public Safety Power Shutoff program and proactively shut off power in communities in West Maui with high exposure to wildfire risk.

Due to the immediate threat of wildfires from high winds and dry conditions, Hawaiian Electric announced Wednesday that its Public Safety Power Shutoff program will start around noon and proactively shut off power in communities in West Maui with high exposure to wildfire risk.

Hawaiian Electric Co. notified West Maui communities Wednesday that they could face intentional extended power outages to prevent wildfires. A Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service due to high winds and dry conditions triggered the utility to prepare to launch the Public Safety Power Shutoff program created in May,

The leeward areas of all islands are under a Red Flag Warning until 6 p.m., according to the NWS. “Gusty trade winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels will result in fire weather concerns through the afternoon across leeward sections of all islands today.