Two HFD Personnel Injured in Response to Kawaihae Fire

A brush fire burning along mile marker 65 of Kawaihae Road  is under control and under investigation, as of early Saturday morning.

Hawai’i County Fire Department crews reportedly responded to the area around 1:15 p.m. Friday, where they found an active brush fire burning with light flashy fuels, moderate brush, and wooded trees involved.

Helicopter water drops were conducted by HFD, and handlines from assisting agencies, HFD volunteers, Parker Ranch personnel, and Pohakuloa Training Area fire crews were conducted.

On Friday, the Hawai’i Police Department confirmed to Big Island Now that a vehicle accident that took place in the area following the start of the fire involved a HFD fire vehicle and a container truck.

HFD reports that the fire truck was damaged in the collision while responding to the fire, and two fire personnel onboard the truck were taken to North Hawai’i Community Hospital, where they were treated and evaluated. No further information on their condition was immediately available.

The fire burned a pasture land and open field areas, with no threat to homes. About 220 acres were destroyed in the brush fire.

As a result of the vehicle crash and fire, Kawaihae Road was closed for several hours Friday afternoon and into the evening. At around 10 p.m. Friday, the roadway was reopened to both lanes of traffic.