Firefighters quickly extinguish brush, trash fires on Kaua‘i’s eastside

Kaua‘i Fire Department firefighters extinguished a brush fire in Keālia and a trash fire in Anahola on Tuesday.

“Yesterday’s eastside fires were quickly contained and extinguished thanks to the prompt response of our first responders and those who reported the blazes,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “With the Fire Weather Watch in effect through Thursday afternoon, we strongly advise refraining from all outdoor burning and cooking to prevent fires.”

No injuries were reported, and no structures were damaged.

According to a preliminary report, shortly after 4:30 p.m., firefighters from Kapa‘a and Kaiākea fire stations were dispatched to the fire on Keālia Road in Anahola. When crews arrived on scene, they discovered a 150-by-50-foot trash fire on Keālia Road.

Firefighters contained the fire and extinguished it shortly after. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The scene was cleared shortly after 5:35 p.m.

While crews were responding to the Anahola trash fire, firefighters received a report of a brush fire near the Kaiākea Fire Station and St. Catherine Cemetary in Keālia at approximately 4:40 p.m.

Crews arrived on the scene shortly after 4:45 p.m. and discovered a small brush fire. Firefighters controlled it by 4:50 p.m. and extinguished the blaze shortly after.

While fire crews battled the fire, Kaua‘i Police Department personnel closed southbound traffic on Kūhiō Highway and diverted traffic through Mailihuna Road for approximately 20 minutes.

The cause of the fire is undetermined.

The scene was cleared at approximately 5:20 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the leeward areas of Kaua‘i County that goes into effect through Thursday at 6 p.m. The Kaua‘i Fire Department urges the public to remain vigilant to prevent fires.

According to the National Weather Service, the combination of strong and gusty trade winds of 15 to 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 45 mph and low relative humidity could produce extreme fire behavior today and Thursday.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly, and be difficult to control. Again, all outdoor burning is not recommended.

The watch may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop.

The Kaua‘i Fire Department is advising the following to prevent fires:

• Refrain from ALL outdoor burning, including cooking.
• Avoid the use of mechanized equipment outdoors, including the use of yard work equipment.
• Do not drive your vehicle in dry, tall grass. The underside of your vehicle is hot and can easily ignite grasses from your exhaust muffler.
• Ensure trailer chains do not drag on the ground.
• Be aware of wind direction and gusts that could spread fire rapidly.
• Have an escape route to a clear area safe from rapid-fire spread.
• Report any possible fires – including signs of smoke or flames – by calling Kaua‘i Police Department Dispatch at 808-241-1711.

For weather updates, call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.

To sign up for the county’s emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System, go to the county’s website, www.kauai.gov/KEMA, or call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

For more information about fire safety, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985.