KAPAʻA, Hawaiʻi (KHON2) — A brush fire in Kapaʻa on Tuesday was determined to be accidental by Kauaʻi fire officials.
Around 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Kauaʻi firefighters responded to heavy smoke near Kapaʻa Bypass Road where flames engulfed guinea grass and haole koa trees in an area of about 75 feet by 75 feet.
Officials from Kapaʻa, Kaiākea and Līhu‘e fire stations were called to the incident including support from Air 1, Air 3 and the on-duty battalion chief.
Kaua‘i Police Department also closed Kapa‘a Bypass and a portion of Olohena Road before reopening it around three hours later.
Kaua‘i County said the fire was controlled around 2:30 p.m. and fully extinguished the flames just before 3:30 p.m. “leaving roughly 10 acres of land scorched.”
Fire officials later revealed the cause of the fire was due to the improper use of a solar-powered car charger.
Our first responders did an excellent job keeping this fire from quickly spreading out of control, and we are grateful for their diligence to protect our community. This fire was completely preventable and we urge everyone to follow fire safety measures especially during these drier summer conditions.
Michael Gibson, Kaua‘i Fire Chief
Kaua‘i County said no injuries were reported and no structures were threatened.
This is the second brush fire Kaua‘i officials have battled this week alone. More than 1,100 acres were scorched in a brush fire between Hanapepe and Kaumakani on Monday. The cause remains under investigation.
For more information on how to prevent wildfires, visit Kauai County’s website.