#Hawaii Fire Department
Hawai‘i Firefighters responding to structure fire in Hilo
The fire is now contained, and there are no reported injuries.
Hawai‘i Fire Department engine damaged after rolling over onto Highway 11 in Ka‘ū
One of the fire engine’s tires apparently blew out, causing the emergency vehicle to lose control, strike a nearby embankment and then roll onto its side; one person was reported injured.
Beach parks in Hilo close following shark sighting
The decision to close the beach parks was made in coordination with the Ocean Safety Division of the Hawai‘i Fire Department.
Police identify 76-year-old man who likely drowned bodysurfing at Kahalu’u Beach Park
Hawai‘i County Ocean Safety personnel and bystanders brought the unresponsive man to shore, but after life-saving measures failed he was pronounced dead at Kona Community Hospital.
Hawai‘i County firefighters doing water drops on brush fire in Kona
As of 3:17 p.m., 20 to 25 firefighters were on scene, and chopper crews were still conducting water drops on the blaze that has burned approximately 4 to 5 acres.
Grant applications now open for wildfire mitigation projects across Hawai‘i
Grants of up to $300,000 are now available for high-impact, shovel-ready projects that reduce hazardous fuels and improve wildfire safety in areas where communities and natural landscapes meet.
Proposed Hawai‘i County operating budget increases 1.4% to fund public safety priorities
The County Council finalizes the budget and sets the tax rates in early May, with the new fiscal year starting July 1.
UPDATE: Banyan Drive in area of Banyan Way, Reed’s Bay parking lot open again
Police previously advised the public late Thursday night (Feb. 5) to stay out of that area in Hilo because of what they called a “structurally compromised” banyan tree; social media posts showed the tree to be on fire.
Two victims of former Pueo Poi Factory structure fire identified
72-year-old Antoinette Amii and a 56-year-old Neilla Lee, who were tenants of the former factory building that was converted into an apartment building, died in the November 2025 blaze.
Arson not suspected after Captain Cook home destroyed in blaze
No injuries were reported following the structure fire.
Nā Leo TV to broadcast memorial service honoring late Hawai‘i County Fire Chief Todd
The community is invited to attend the service on Jan. 11 in Hilo.
Kawaihae assault investigation reclassified as homicide following victim’s death
A reported altercation turned tragic after 40-year-old Leah Bannister succumbed to her injuries related to an assault in Kawaihae, which has since been reclassified as a homicide.
Fireworks permits now available so you can light up your New Year’s Eve party
Several vendors are located around the island to help you ring in 2026 with a bang; Hawai’i Fire Department offers tips to make sure your party doesn’t end in fire, injuries or worse.
Police investigating possible drowning of visiting Connecticut man in South Kona
The man was positively identified as Bryan Coppola of Bethlehem, Conn., who reportedly became distressed while snorkeling with a family member the afternoon of Dec. 26 in waters at Ho‘okena Beach Park, a nearly 11-mile drive south of Captain Cook.
Deadly Christmas Eve fire in Ocean View under investigation by police, fire inspectors
A severely burned body was discovered in a residence in the 92-9200 block of Reef Parkway; the victim’s identity and cause of the blaze also remain under investigation, with an autopsy ordered to determine the victim’s exact cause of death.
Unprecedented circumstances leave Big Island police and fire departments searching for new chiefs
The Hawai’i County Police Commission has trimmed the pool of candidates for the chief vacancy to 11 and they will be asked to interview in person next month.
Man who died in Wild Ginger Inn fire in Hilo was a tenant, police say
Gerald James O’Grady, 66, was identified as the victim of the Oct. 22 fire at a 114-year-old hotel on the Big Island.
UPDATE: Nānāwale Boulevard in Pāhoa again open to all traffic
The area between the intersections of Kēhau Road and Center Lane was previously closed because of a structure fire.
Hawai‘i Fire Chief Kazuo Todd remembered for his unwavering commitment to Big Island community
In just four years as Hawaiʻi Fire Chief, Kazuo Todd left behind a legacy of modernizing the department and upgrading its equipment while also serving as a leader to improve fire service across the state.
Update: Reef shark bites Big Island man who attempted to free animal entangled in rope, fishing gear
According to a press release from Hawai‘i Island police, authorities received a report just before 4:30 p.m. that a 24-year-old Hōlualoa man was bit by a blacktip reef shark in waters off Ka‘alu‘alu Beach.
