Authorities investigate 3 suspicious brush fires along Waikoloa Road

KAILUA-KONA — Authorities are investigating three suspicious brush fires sparked this morning along Waikoloa Road and Route 190.

In just under an hour the small blazes were ignited, consuming a total of 2,050 square feet of vegetation and dry brush. According to a press release from Hawaii Police Department firefighters responded to the first fire at 8:24 a.m., the second at 8:36 a.m. and the third at 9:16 a.m.

The first fire occurred on Route 190 near mile marker 12. according to the release, fire personnel were able to quickly extinguish it. The flames consumed approximately 1,000 square feet.

The second brush fire was discovered on the south side of Waikoloa Road near mile marker 10, which crews quickly extinguished. About a 50-foot area was burned.

The last blaze discovered was also on the south side of Waikoloa Road near Uluwehi Street. It destroyed approximately 1,000 square feet.

According to the release, no structures were damaged nor were any injuries reported as a result of any of the fires. The total extent of the burned property has yet to be determined.

Detectives with the Area II Criminal Investigations Section, along with Hawaii County fire inspectors, have deemed the fires as suspicious and continue to investigate their cause.

Anyone who witnessed the cause of the fires or with information about the blazes is asked to contact Det. Carrie Akina, via email at Carrie.Akina@hawaiicounty.gov, or call at 326-4646 ext. 277.

The department also encourages community members to be aware of the recent fires, especially in the areas of Waikoloa Road and Route 190, and to report any suspicious activity in the area immediately to police at 935-3311.