Smoke obscures the koa and ‘ōhi‘a forest at Nāmakanipaio Campground on Tuesday afternoon, July 11, 2017. NPS photo/Luke Kittle.
Fire officials at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park are seeking witnesses to a fire Tuesday afternoon, July 11, 2017, that burned about a quarter-acre of native koa and ‘ōhi‘a forest behind a cabin at Nāmakanipaio Campground.
The fire, which started behind Cabin 3 at Nāmakanipaio Campground shortly before 3 p.m., nearly reached the A-frame cabin.
A woman and several children told firefighters they saw how it started, but left the scene before anyone could get her name and contact information.
Nāmakanipaio Campground from Google map.
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The fire was quickly doused with water by County of Hawai‘i Engine 19, Volcano volunteer company 19, and National Park Service resources.
No structures were burned, although flames came close to Cabin 3. No closures or evacuations were required.
No structures were burned, although flames came close to Cabin 3. NPS photo/Luke Kittle.
An investigation is underway.
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Witnesses and anyone with information about the fire are encouraged to call Park Dispatch at (808) 985-6170.
Callers may remain anonymous.
“With a hot and dry summer upon us, we’re definitely at an increased risk for fire in the park and across the island,” said Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Fire Management Officer Greg Funderburk. “It’s important to remember that while parts of the island might be getting rainfall, other areas are very dry and quite susceptible to fire.”
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The campground and cabins are located within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and are managed by Hawai‘i Volcanoes Lodge Company LLC.
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