LIHU‘E — Fires of suspicious origin in Koke‘e State Park and at Kalaheo School should serve as wakeup calls for home fire safety, Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Robert “Bob” Westerman said. Westerman and other top KFD officials are urging residents
LIHU‘E — Fires of suspicious origin in Koke‘e State Park and at Kalaheo School should serve as wakeup calls for home fire safety, Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Robert “Bob” Westerman said.
Westerman and other top KFD officials are urging residents to update fire-prevention plans and check fire-prevention equipment in their homes following fires that destroyed Kalaheo School’s 100-year-old administration building and damaged a Koke‘e State Park cabin.
With summer coming and bringing drier weather conditions that could trigger fires, Westerman said that plan of action would be prudent.
Fires have exacted their toll on Kaua‘i, Westerman said. Over the last 3 1/2 years, county firefighters have responded to 840 fire calls that have resulted in more than $2 million in damages, he said.
He is hoping the response numbers will go down as word gets out to people on why they should do what they can to reduce the risk of structure fires, Westerman said.
Kaua‘i residents prodigally burn rubbish in their backyards, and leaders of agricultural businesses burn debris as well, said KFD Battalion Chief Bob Kaden.
Backyard burning of rubbish in amounts 25 pounds or less is allowed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days of the week, except when state Department of Health leaders declare “no-burn days,” county officials said.
Burning of debris should take place at least 50 feet away from any structures, and not have an impact on neighbors, officials said.
Leaders of bona fide agricultural businesses must obtain government permits to burn.
“People should know what the rules are on this, and I recommend that they call the fire department to let us know what their plans are even though they have a permit,” Kaden said. The number of KFD’s Prevention Bureau/Plans Review section is 241-6511.
To increase the safety of homes, people should check their smoke detectors, over-head sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers, to make sure they are in good working order, said KFD Capt. Russell Yee, head of the department’s Prevention Bureau.
Fire-department officials have public-outreach programs that include information on developing fire-evacuation plans, training on the use of fire extinguishers, and detailed fire-safety classes.
- Lester Chang, staff writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or lchang@pulitzer.net.
