Big Island firefighters keep brush fire from scorching homes in Puna

No homes were lost after a trash fire got out of control over the weekend threatening multiple structures in Puna.

The report of the brush fire came in at 12:21 p.m. on Sunday on the 11-3400 block of Plumeria Street in Kea‘au. The Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to the blaze at 12:23 p.m.

When crews arrived on scene, they found 3 to 5 acres of brush burning with flames threatening multiple homes.

Twenty-two firefighters responded to the fire along with 18 tankers, engines and Chopper 1.

According to a press release from the fire department, initial fire attacks were difficult because of poor access and lack of water supply. Helicopter crews were able to perform water drops to control the fire.

Crews were fighting the blaze on two fronts as homes were threatened on Plumeria and Lehua Streets.

Firefighters were able to contain and douse the fire that scorched 20.4 acres. No homes were damaged, however, two storage sheds were lost.

A night watch was established to address any potential flare-ups.

Fire officials remind the public that there is currently a burn ban in place by the Department of Health due to dry conditions.

Trash and green waste fires must have a permit.