KAILUA-KONA — Big Island police are ramping up patrols on Highway 190 following a string of suspicious fires in West Hawaii over the past week.
KAILUA-KONA — Big Island police are ramping up patrols on Highway 190 following a string of suspicious fires in West Hawaii over the past week.
Chris Loos, media relations for the Hawaii Police Department, confirmed the increase in patrol efforts along the highway between Kailua-Kona and Waimea following eight suspicious fires that broke out in the vicinity of the roadway between Feb. 11 and Thursday.
No new fires were reported overnight Thursday into Friday in West Hawaii, according to the Hawaii Fire Department and Pohakuloa Training Area.
All told, the fires charred approximately 1,146 acres of mostly brush. The fires started primarily in the vicinity of Highway 190 between Kailua-Kona and Waimea. All of the fires are either contained or extinguished.
At Pohakuloa Training Area, firefighters continue to douse some hot spots within the 320-acre burn area, according to Army officials. However, like the other two fires that occurred on federal property, it is contained.
Police continue to investigate the string of fires as arson. Police, fire and Army officials urge the public to report any suspicious activity in the area to Big Island police at 935-3311.