WAIMEA — An investigation into a couple of recent brush fires has led local authorities to suspect arson in both incidents.
The Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD) said investigators found incendiary devices in the area of the Poki‘i Ridge Fire on Tuesday. The Poki‘i Ridge Fire was first reported on July 18.
“Arson can quickly lead to uncontrollable wildfires, endangering lives, property and the surrounding area,” said KFD Chief Michael Gibson in a statement.
“Once a fire starts, it can rapidly spread to nearby vegetation, structures and residential areas, causing extensive damage and the potential for injuries.”
Investigators also suspect the Panini Fire was intentionally set.
A preliminary report stated fire crews were dispatched to a brush fire above Panini Place shortly before 4:45 p.m. on Monday. Firefighters with the Waimea Fire Station and Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) responded to the scene.
“When firefighters arrived on scene, they discovered an area of brush approximately 40 yards by 20 yards on fire,” the KFD said. “Crews with KFD and DOFAW extinguished the fire, and KFD personnel cleared the scene shortly before 6 p.m.”
The brush fire forced the closure of Waimea Canyon Drive for approximately one hour.
The penalty is severe for intentionally or knowingly setting a fire or causing property to burn and knowingly or recklessly causing damages to property in excess of $20,000. State law classifies the crime as a Class A felony, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
“Arson is a serious crime with severe consequences, posing an immediate threat to lives, properties and the environment,” said Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) Chief Todd Raybuck in a statement.
The KFD said it is still investigating a brush fire, which scorched an estimated 1,100 acres between Hanapepe and Kaumakani. The fire was first reported on July 15.
But a preliminary investigation into a 10-acre fire in Kapa‘a on July 16 found the blaze was caused by improper use of charging equipment consisting of a photovoltaic panel connected to a car battery. It was not clear if anyone would be charged in the incident.
Anyone with information regarding the aforementioned incidents is asked to call KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711 or Lieutenant Kennison Nagahisa at 808-241-1705. People who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers Kauai at 808-246-8300.
