HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR_2023-05-01FirefightersextinguishstructurefireinKapaaonSunday.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: May 1, 2023
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I FIRE DEPARTMENT
MICHAEL GIBSON, CHIEF
(808) 241-4980
Firefighters extinguish structure fire in Kapa‘a on Sunday
KAPA‘A – Firefighters extinguished a fire that broke out Sunday afternoon in the former Otsuka’s
building in Kapa‘a.
No injuries were reported.
Firefighters from the Kaiākea, Kapa‘a, Līhu‘e, and Kōloa fire stations, including Rescue 3
personnel, AMR medics, and the on-duty battalion chief were dispatched to the scene at approximately
1:40 p.m.
Firefighters arrived on scene and discovered smoke coming from the second floor of the vacant
building. Forcible entry was used to access the interior of the structure.
Once inside, firefighters found the fire located in the attic and it was spreading quickly. They
brought the blaze under control and continued to extinguish all flames. Firefighters also ensured there
was no fire extension in other areas of the structure.
Firefighters with the Fire Prevention Bureau arrived on scene to conduct an investigation on the
cause of the fire. The investigation remains ongoing at this time; however, inspectors estimate damage
to the structure and its contents to be roughly $60,000.
After the fire was extinguished, firefighters from the Kaiākea fire station periodically checked on
the building through the night to ensure the fire did not reignite.
Kaua‘i police closed Kūhiō Highway fronting the structure for approximately two hours while
firefighters responded to Sunday’s incident.
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