Keaau, HI – A rapidly spreading brush fire in the Fern Acres area of Keaʻau threatened numerous homes on Sunday, scorching 20.4 acres before firefighters managed to contain the blaze. The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) responded to the initial report at 12:21 PM on Sunday to find a 3-5 acre fire quickly escalating in a rural residential area near Plumeria and Lehua Streets.
Access challenges and limited water supply hampered initial firefighting efforts. C-1, the department’s helicopter, played a crucial role in controlling the fire’s spread by initiating water drops. Firefighters focused on protecting homes on Plumeria and Lehua Streets, which faced the brunt of the two fire fronts.
While no homes were lost, the fire did claim a couple of storage sheds. Firefighters established a night watch to monitor for flare-ups, reporting heavy smoke presence but no further outbreaks during the evening. Monitoring continues today to ensure the fire remains contained.
The cause of the fire has been determined to be a rubbish fire that spread into the surrounding dry brush. Officials are reminding residents of the Department of Health burn ban currently in effect for the island due to extremely dry conditions.
Authorities urge caution in the area as first responders and units may still be present. Drivers are asked to reduce speed and exercise caution in the vicinity of 11-3429 Plumeria St, Keaau.
Firefighters estimate they saved over $3 million in potential property damage. The estimated damage from the lost sheds remains unknown.