Multiple Hanamā‘ulu brush fires ʻintentionally setʻ Sunday

Several small brush fires were extinguished by firefighters in the area of Kalepa Ridge in Hanamā‘ulu on Sunday, Sept. 16, which the Kauaʻi Fire Department believes were intentionally set.

“Wildfires remain a top concern for communities statewide,” said Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson in a statement. “There really is no excuse for this type of reckless behavior which is putting lives and property at serious risk. We urge the public for their help in identifying anyone involved in Sunday’s incident.”

News of the fires were shared in a press release from the County of Kauaʻi Public Information Office, which said no injuries were reported or structures were threatened.

According to the statement, Līhu‘e firefighters noticed a brush fire on the hill behind an industrial area and the Kalepa Village apartments in Hanamā‘ulu at around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, when they notified dispatch and requested additional firefighters to respond.

“Once on scene, firefighters found an area 100 feet by 50 feet of brush and trees on fire, as well as several spot fires spread over a wide area along the Kalepa Ridge dirt bike trail,” the statement says.

The crews used tank water to knock down the north flank of the fire, while others shuttled water and extinguished the fire.

The north flank was deemed under control and fully knocked down shortly after. Firefighters then proceeded to extinguish the fire near the water tank.

Firefighters continued to put out small fires and hot spots in different locations along Kalepa Ridge. The area was cleared at approximately 10 p.m.

Crews reportedly returned to the area Monday morning at approximately 6:15 a.m. due to a flare up, before clearing the scene at 7 a.m.

The county statement asks anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i by calling 808-246-8300 or through the Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i P3 Tips Mobile App.