KEAʻAU, Hawaii (KHON2) — Multiple metal and appliance recycling services at several transfer stations on Hawaiʻi Island are unavailable due to an industrial fire in Keaʻau.
The fire erupted just before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at Big Island Scrap Metal. Big Island firefighters arrived at the scene minutes later.
Upon arrival at the scene, units found a “50-ft by 50-ft pile of scrap metal and large tires on fire and about 75% involved.”
Officials said the pile was under a covered, open steel metal building. Firefighters quickly secured a water supply to bring the fire under control by 9:20 a.m
“Heavy equipment operators from BISM used three excavators to dig up and open the pile to reach the seat of the fire until extinguishment.”
After further review, it was determined that a vehicle compactor crushing a car sparked the scrap pile.
All employees and Big Island Fire Department units were accounted for and remained uninjured.
A temporary closure in the acceptance of metals and appliances at East Hawaiʻi Transfer Stations has been initiated:
- Honokaʻa
- Laupāhoehoe
- Volcano
- Pāhala
- Waiʻōhinu
Metals and appliances are still accepted at Pāhoa, Kea‘au and Hilo Transfer Stations until the sites reach their capacity.
“The Department of Environmental Management is actively monitoring the situation and is in communication with Big Island Scrap Metal. Once Big Island Scrap Metal resumes operations, metal and appliance recycling services will be restored and the public will be notified.”
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Those who have any questions can contact the Department of Environmental Management at (808) 961-8270 or visit their website.