HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR01-01-17
C O U NT Y O F KAU A‘I
BERNARD P. CARVALHO, JR.
Mayor
WALLACE G. REZENTES, JR.
Managing Director
KAUA‘I FIRE DEPARTMENT
News Release
January 1, 2017
ROBERT WESTERMAN, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-4980
Fax (808) 241-6508
Man injures hand with fireworks
Several small fires likely caused by fireworks
WAILUA – A 28-year-old man sustained serious injuries to his right hand in a fireworks
related incident in Wailua Houselots shortly after midnight on New Year’s Eve.
The man and his friends were setting off fireworks when a firecracker thrown by the
victim exploded midair about two to four feet away him, which resulted in serious injuries to his
right hand.
Engine 2 and Medic 23 responded to the scene. Upon their arrival, they found that the
victim’s friends had applied compression and had elevated his injured hand, which helped to
control the bleeding. The first responders took over treating the victim, and the medics then
transported him to Wilcox Hospital.
Firefighters also responded to several other incidents yesterday that were likely
fireworks related including two small brush fires in Waimea and Kalāheo, each approximately
100 square feet, and a rubbish bin fire in Puhi.
In light of these incidents, Battalion Chief (BC) Albert Kaui noted that all of them
probably could have been prevented.
“Caution should always be exercised when igniting fireworks in order to prevent fires and
injuries,” said BC Kaui.
For more information about fire safety, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 241-
4985.