HFD: Scrap Metal Fire Under Investigation

File photo.

A fire at an industrial scrap metal recycling facility in Kea’au is under investigation, according to the Hawai’i County Fire Department.

HFD received a call just after 1:30 a.m. Monday of a tall scrap metal fire on Kalara Street in Kea’au, which was encroaching upon a diesel compactor and two heavy equipment excavators.

Fire crews arrived on the scene at 1:40 a.m. and cut the locks to the property to be able to battle the fire. Several different teams were assigned to exposure protection and efforts to extinguish the fire from different angles. The owner of the property arrived and used an excavator for overhaul and salvage assistance.

The fire was under control at 2:05 a.m. and extinguished at 3:30 a.m.

No one was hurt in the incident. Loss was estimated at $6,000, and approximately $300,000 in property was saved.