Honokaa, HI – A brush fire fueled by strong winds raged across approximately six acres near Lehua Street in Honokaa earlier yesterday, prompting a multi-unit response and the deployment of helicopters and a bulldozer. The incident began with a reported abandoned vehicle fire in a vacant lot at 11:41 AM and quickly escalated as flames spread into heavy brush, driven by strong East-Northeast winds.
Company 8 was the first to respond to the initial call on Lehua Street, with Tanker 09 dispatched en route. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered multiple vehicles fully engulfed in flames and a significant brush fire already underway. The strong winds were pushing the blaze towards large stands of bamboo, posing a potential threat to nearby structures.
Engine 09, 17, and Volunteer Company 8 were dispatched to reinforce the initial response. Unfortunately, Volunteer Company 8 had only one volunteer available and no vehicles. The fire’s progression was further fueled due to increased wind activity in the area, as well as uphill topography.
Recognizing the escalating threat, authorities dispatched Choppers 1 and 2 to provide aerial support just prior to the arrival of Battalion Chief 1 (BC1) on scene. Shortly after, a bulldozer was requested to create a fire break and control the fire’s spread near potentially threatened structures.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, ultimately cutting a fire break around the perimeter as they extinguished the flames. The fire was successfully brought under control, preventing further spread.
All units returned to quarters, with no injuries reported on the scene.
The cause of the initial vehicle fire remains under investigation. While the loss is currently unknown, officials estimate that the actions of the fire crews saved approximately $1,000,000 in potential property damage.