HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR062717FirefightersextinguishstructurefireinWaimea
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
For Immediate Release: June 27, 2017
ROBERT WESTERMAN, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-4980
Fax (808) 241-6508
Firefighters extinguish structure fire in Waimea
WAIMEA – Firefighters responded to a structure fire that broke out Monday afternoon
on Pokole Road in Waimea.
No injuries were reported.
Multiple units were dispatched to the scene at approximately 2:45 p.m. Monday, and
found an abandoned, single-story building fully engulfed with heavy smoke and flames.
As water lines were being deployed, firefighters noticed a live powerline was detached
and arcing on the road. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative was notified and responded to the
scene.
Engine 7 and Engine 6 were able to utilize master streams to contain the blaze and the
fire was deemed under control at approximately 3:20 p.m.
Once KIUC disconnected power to the building and deemed the area safe, firefighters
were able to fully extinguish the fire at approximately 5:15 p.m.
During the incident, Kaua‘i police closed Pokole Road (from Kaumuali‘i Highway to the
entrance of the Waimea Pier) and assisted with traffic control.
Firefighters from the Waimea fire station were first on scene and were soon assisted by
Hanapepe, Kalāheo and Līhu‘e stations, along with the on-duty Battalion Chief and fire
inspectors.
“The quick actions of the crews saved adjacent occupied buildings, and early detection
of the powerlines prevented possible serious injuries,” said Fire Chief Robert Westerman. “I
commend all responders on a job well done.”
The structure is considered a total loss and damages to the structure and its contents
are estimated to be roughly $50,000.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
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