A former West Chicago police officer , Mike Zepeda (shown in middle) from Aurora was recently forced to evacuate a Hawaiian hotel due to a wildfire—marking the second time in two years that a family vacation to the islands was disrupted by fast-moving flames.
During the trip, hotel staff notified guests that a wildfire had broken out directly across the street and advised immediate evacuation. The situation echoed a similar experience in 2023, when the same former officer and his family had to flee from another wildfire while visiting Hawaii.
Many residents remember the officer as one of their favorites in their interactions with him over the years. Family members had expressed concern to him about returning to the area after the 2023 ordeal, and this most recent evacuation confirmed their fears. Fortunately, no one in Zepeda’s group was harmed during the incident. He did mention having to put wet towels over their faces during the evacuation which is scary in and of itself .
Hawaii continues to grapple with increasingly frequent and dangerous wildfires, driven by dry weather, drought conditions, and strong winds. The devastating wildfires on Maui in 2023 brought national attention to the growing threat, leading to widespread damage and loss.
This most recent close call highlights how quickly travel plans can shift in the face of natural disasters—even in a place known for its beauty and tranquility.
The community is grateful for his safety, and hopes any future trips to the Islands will be a l
