Fire officials determine cause of Kapa‘a brush fire

Published on July 17, 2024

KAPA‘A – Fire officials have determined the cause of the fire that broke out on Tuesday near Kapa‘a Bypass Road as accidental.

No injuries were reported, and no structures were threatened.

At approximately 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, firefighters were dispatched to Kapa‘a Bypass Road after receiving reports of heavy smoke in the area near the roundabout.

Personnel from the Kapa‘a fire station was first on scene, where they found an area approximately 75-feet by 75-feet of guinea grass and haole koa trees on fire.

Firefighters from the Kaiākea and Līhu‘e fire stations soon joined in the effort, along with support from Air 1 and Air 2, and the on-duty battalion chief. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works, Department of Parks and Recreation, the Hawai‘i National Guard, and personnel with the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency also assisted in the response. Additionally, the Kaua‘i Police Department closed the Kapa‘a Bypass Road and a portion of Olohena Road for approximately 3 hours.

The fire was deemed under control at approximately 2:30 p.m., and fully extinguished shortly before 3:30 p.m., leaving roughly 10 acres of land scorched.

A preliminary investigation by the Kaua‘i Fire Prevention Bureau has revealed the fire was caused by improper use of charging equipment consisting of a photovoltaic panel connected to a car battery.

“Our first responders did an excellent job keeping this fire from quickly spreading out of control, and we are grateful for their diligence to protect our community,” said Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “This fire was completely preventable and we urge everyone to follow fire safety measures especially during these drier summer conditions.”

The Kaua‘i Fire Department offers the following fire prevention tips:

• Remove dead vegetation and other flammable materials, especially within the first 5 feet of the home.
• Invasive grasses such as guinea grass and koa haole overgrow when unmanaged, creating a significant fire hazard. Weed them often and consider replanting with low-lying, drought–tolerant, native ground cover.
• Remove flammable materials from decks, porches, lanai, and underneath the house. Common flammables include scrap wood, firewood, and combustible furniture.
• Keep your lawn hydrated and shorter than 4 inches tall around the home. Do not mow in the day's heat or when the wind blows; never mow in dry vegetation.
• 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 or 911 if it is an emergency.

For more tips to prevent wildfires, visit Kauai.gov/fire and download the Hawai‘i Wildland Management Organization Fire Action Guide by clicking “Wildland Fire Action Guide & Safety Tips.”

The cause of the large wildfire that occurred Monday on Kaua‘i's Westside remains under investigation.

###