Puako brush fire scorches 3 acres

KAILUA-KONA — Firefighters quickly doused a small brush fire that broke out Thursday morning in South Kohala.

The fire, reported around 9 a.m. off Hoohana Street, scorched about 3 acres before Hawaii Fire Department firefighters were able to get the upper hand, according to fire officials. It was declared extinguished around 2 p.m.

Battalion Chief John Whitman said the fire appeared to have started from a short on a Hawaii Electric Light Co. utility pole in the area. He said fire rescue personnel in South Kohala heard a loud explosion and then saw smoke. They subsequently reported it to dispatch and went to the scene to battle the flames.

Rhea Lee-Moku, HELCO spokeswoman, said personnel responded to the fire and are still working to determine the fire’s cause. However, she said a mynah bird appears to have contacted HELCO equipment by Hoohana Street sparking the fire.

One customer lost power, but it was fully restored by 1:37 p.m.

The fire did not threaten any structures as it spread to 3 acres. No road closures were required.