Firefighters battle multiple brush fires in Anahola, arson suspected

Kaua‘i firefighters extinguished several brush fires May 2 in Anahola.

No injuries or damaged structures were reported. The blazes scorched about 5 acres.

Firefighters were dispatched shortly after 5:40 p.m. Thursday to reports of multiple blazes near ‘Ehukai Road in Anahola. They were able to quickly extinguish three small brush fires after arriving.

Another 4.3-acre fire was reported in an area called Crack 14 near the ocean. Air 1 made about 20 water drops on that blaze and firefighters on the ground used 3,200 gallons of foam and water to put it out.

Firefighters with the Kaiākea and Kapa‘a fire stations, Rescue 3, Air 1, Tanker 1 and the on-duty battalion chief responded. Officers with the Kaua‘i Police Department were also dispatched.

The scene was cleared by just before 10 p.m. Kaiākea firefighters returned shortly after midnight to ensure the fires were fully extinguished and no hotspots had emerged.

The fires are being investigated as suspected arson.

“With this fire under investigation, the community must remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent brush fires,” said Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “Brush fires have the potential to spread quickly, cause devastation to our public spaces and threaten our community.”

Anyone who witnesses a fire or any emergency should call 9-1-1.

“Arson is a serious crime that carries penalties of imprisonment and fines,” said Assistant Fire Chief Kalani Ke. “Intentionally setting fires is a threat to community safety and the environment.”

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call police dispatch at 808-241-1711.

Those want to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i at 808-246-8300, submit a tip online or use the Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i P3 Tips mobile app, which you can download from Google Play and the Apple App Store.