ANAHOLA — A brush fire scorched 12 acres of land, forced evacuations and revealed a makeshift junkyard littered with jalopies, tires and trash on the northeast side of the island.
The blaze was reported shortly after 10 p.m. on Sunday near Kukuihale Road and Pilipoli Road in Anahola, the Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD) said.
Firefighters from the Kapa‘a and Kaiakea fire stations responded to the scene, at which time they found dozens of discarded vehicles. Tender 1, Rescue 3, an on-duty battalion chief and Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) personnel also responded to the remote location.
“Thanks to the strong work of our firefighters overnight and effective fire breaks, the blaze was successfully contained and extinguished,” said KFD Chief Michael Gibson in a statement.
“The fire included over 40 abandoned vehicles, which created additional fire hazards and toxic fumes to our fire personnel and residents. Vehicle owners must dispose of their vehicles properly instead of abandoning them — especially in remote areas.”
The proximity of the fire to homes also led firefighting personnel to advise people living in the immediate area to evacuate as a precaution.
After fire crews controlled and later extinguished the blaze, firefighters conducted a perimeter check and watered down the area. No injuries were reported. The scene was cleared at about 2:30 a.m. on Monday.
Firefighters returned to the scene later in the day to monitor the area where the Division of Fish and Wildlife fire crews helped put out remaining hotspots.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but arson is suspected.
People with information about the fire should contact KPD acting Capt. Kennison Nagahisa at 808-241-1705 or via email at knagahisa@kauai.gov. Reports of illegal dumping can be made to KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711.
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Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, can be reached at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.
