UPDATE 5: Waimea Fire 100% Contained
Photo and video: Darde Gamayo
UPDATE 5, July 7-8, 2017
The Hawai‘i County Fire Department reported that the fire off of Uakikoni Alanui in Hawaiian Homes Pu‘ukapu Farm lots and Parker Ranch destroyed 2,200 acres of pasture lands.
Five fire department personnel were recalled for night watch on Friday, July 7.
On the morning of Saturday, July 8, dozers began finishing up the fire break around the north/northeast portions of the fire. Fire personnel continued “mop up” operations around the perimeter of the fire.
Chopper-2 provided aerial recon missions and conducted water bucket drops throughout the day.
Dozers completed the fire break by nightfall on Saturday.
The fire was 100% contained by 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 8.
Fire personnel provided an overnight watch.
UPDATE 4: July 7, 2017, 8:06 p.m.
Approximately 80% of the brush fire in Waimea is contained at this time. In addition, the HPD reports Highway 190 is now open to all traffic. Area motorists should drive with caution as emergency responders remain on scene.
UPDATE 3: July 7, 2017, 6:17 p.m.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross responding to a residential fire reported in Kamuela.
UPDATE 2: July 7, 2017, 4:30 p.m.
Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating witnesses to the start of a brush fire on Friday, July 7, 2017, in Kamuela.
The fire started at approximately 11:58 a.m. in a dry grassy area of a residential property in the 64-700 block of Paeli Alanui Street.
The fire spread quickly through the dry brush causing damage to an uninhabited structure and a vehicle and continues to burn.
There have been no reported injuries and the extent of the damages incurred by this fire have yet to be determined as Hawaiʻi Fire Department personnel continue their efforts to contain the fire.
This investigation is being continued by the Area II Criminal Investigation Section and police ask anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Dominic Uyetake at 326-4646, ext. 228, or via email at Dominic.Uyetake@hawaiicounty.
Callers who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
UPDATE 1: July 7, 2017, 1:40 p.m.
TRAFFIC ALERT: The HPD reports a temporary road closure of Route 190, from the Old Saddle Road intersection (6-mile marker) to the Waimea Airport Road intersection (2-mile marker) in Waimea due to a brush fire. The HPD requests that motorists use alternate routes—Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway, Waikoloa Village Road and Kawaihae Road. Use extreme caution while driving in these areas as visibility may be hampered due to the smoke.
PREVIOUS POST: July 7, 2017, 1:16 p.m.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Hawaii Fire Department reports a runaway brush fire located in Waimea in the area of the Pu‘ukapu Farm Lots.
• Motorists are advised to stay out of the Pu‘ukapu Farm Lots and away from the active fire area
• Highway 190 is open, but motorists should expect delays and be on the lookout for emergency vehicles.
• Closures may occur without notice.