Residential fire causes $300,000 in damage

HANAMA‘ULU — A residential structure fire displaced eight people and caused an estimated $300,000 in damage on Friday afternoon.

The fire was reported on Kailewa Street at approximately 1:30 p.m., at which time firefighting personnel from the Lihu‘e and Kapa‘a stations responded to the scene.

“Firefighters arrived on-scene and found a single-story residence on fire,” the Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD) said. “Occupants of the home were in the structure at the start of the fire, but exited safely prior to the arrival of responders.”

Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control, and then fully extinguish all flames. They also ensured there was no fire extension in other areas of the residence before cleaning the scene at approximately 3 p.m.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Volunteers with the American Red Cross are assisting the displaced individuals.

The Kailewa Street fire was one of three incidents reported on Friday. Two small brush fires also broke out in Anahola.

The first brush fire was reported at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property. Firefighters from Kaiakea and Kapa‘a responded to the scene, at which they found a brush fire of approximately 30 feet by 50 feet in size.

“After extinguishing the fire, personnel continued searching for additional fires and found another area, approximately 50 feet by 60 feet of brush on fire,” the KFD said.

All flames were extinguished, and no other fires were found following a perimeter check of the area. The scene was cleared shortly after 8:30 p.m. No injuries were reported and no structures were burned. The cause of the fires are under investigation.

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Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, can be reached at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.