KAILUA-KONA — A brush fire likely sparked by a cigarette burned about 100 acres Tuesday afternoon off Kaiminani Drive in Kailua-Kona.
KAILUA-KONA — A brush fire likely sparked by a cigarette burned about 100 acres Tuesday afternoon off Kaiminani Drive in Kailua-Kona.
Firefighters responding to the 1:40 p.m. alarm, arrived at the scene north of Kaiminani Drive and makai of Ane Keohokalole Highway to find about 1/2 to 1 acre burning with strong and gusty winds fanning the flames, according to the Hawaii Fire Department. Witnesses told firefighters that they had seen someone discard a cigarette out of a vehicle window prior to the fire’s ignition.
The fire was controlled using two fire department helicopters performing water drops and two privately contracted dozers to cut a firebreak. Ground crews units extinguished hot spots and prevented the fire from jumping both Kaiminani Drive and Ane Keohokalole Highway.
The fire was declared out at 7 p.m.
Hawaii Community College — Palamanui officials said the campus was evacuated about 3 p.m. Tuesday. All afternoon and evening classes were canceled.
The college is closed today due to Hurricane Lane’s impending arrival.
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Driving past, my home is a mile away… scary fire.. who started it ??? The helicopters seem to be fanning the flames
Aloha Dorianne. Probably undetermined at this point as far as who started the fire. As for the helicopters, so as to not risk injury to firefighters, use of helicopters to disperse water as quickly and as accurately as possible to the “head” of the fire is a safer and more effective method in fire control. Knowing the wind patterns and direction allows the fire department to place ground crew in areas to keep fire from spreading. Lives, homes and businesses are their priorities. Honor and praise to fire an police for all that they do. Even if it doesn’t make sense to some. Glad you’re safe.
There has to be a fire bug a large…we have been having these brush fires for years….especially when the winds start up. Reminiscent of the nonsense in Southern California.