HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR092517Over200acresscorchedinPoipubrushfire
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: September 25, 2017
ROBERT WESTERMAN, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-4980
Fax (808) 241-6508
Over 200 acres scorched in Po‘ipū brush fire
PO‘IPŪ – Fire officials estimate that approximately 215 acres of brush burned during a
fire that broke out on Sunday afternoon in Po‘ipū.
No injuries were reported, however there were damages to heavy machinery, trucks and
equipment stationed at a green waste baseyard. Fire inspectors estimate these damages at
roughly $20,000.
At approximately 12:45 p.m., multiple units were dispatched to an open field on the
mauka side of the dirt roads that lead to Mahaulepu.
Air 1, Rescue 3 and crews from the Kōloa and Kalāheo fire stations along with the on-
duty Battalion Chief responded. Jack Harter and Airborne Aviation provided two additional
helicopters to assist with water drops to the area. The land owner, Grove Farm, coordinated
with Waalani Enterprises, Earthworks Pacific and Kukui‘ula Development Company, Goodfellow
Bros., and operators Dennis Esaki and Mike Kali to provide additional water tankers and other
heavy equipment to help gain control of the blaze.
The following agencies also helped secure the perimeter for the public’s safety: Kaua‘i
ATV, Blue Knight Security, Kaua‘i Freight Service, Ajar, ACE Team and Ho‘omana Painting.
The fire was deemed under control and contained at approximately 6 p.m. Personnel
remained at the scene until approximately 12:15 a.m. Monday, to extinguish any hot spots.
Firefighters will continue to monitor and respond to flare ups, which are usual
occurrences after a large brush fire.
“Thank you to our first responders who worked tirelessly for hours in extreme conditions
to ensure the safety of our southside community,” said Fire Chief Robert Westerman. “The Fire
Department also appreciates all the help provided by the community, and we are fortunate that
the fire did not reach any homes or cause injuries.”
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
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