LIHU‘E — A mechanic was slightly injured in a warehouse fire that engulfed two automobiles early Monday morning in the Lihu‘e Industrial Park. Island Cars Manager John Tanner said the fire, which was reported at 1:20 a.m., started when a
LIHU‘E — A mechanic was slightly injured in a warehouse fire that engulfed two automobiles early Monday morning in the Lihu‘e Industrial Park.
Island Cars Manager John Tanner said the fire, which was reported at 1:20 a.m., started when a gas tank was dropped by the mechanic who runs his own body shop in the back.
Tanner said the mechanic prefers to work late at night when the air is cooler.
The Kaua‘i Fire Department reported the mechanic suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to Wilcox Memorial Hospital in a private vehicle.
“He was trying to put the fire out and burned himself a little,” Tanner said.
When firefighters arrived at Island Cars, a rental company and vehicle storage facility, several vehicles were burning and the fire had spread to a section of the warehouse at 2983 Aukele St.
According to a county spokesperson, the fire was extinguished by 1:45 a.m.
However, damage to the warehouse and its contents is estimated to be around $200,000.
KFD reported that two cars were completely destroyed and three more were damaged. Two scooters and a motorcycle also were destroyed.
But as the adjusters have not completed their work, Tanner said a precise damage estimate is not known at this time.
He said there is some fire damage to the back of the shop.
Island Cars has been on island for 15 years, and around seven at its present location, Tanner said.
The fire is still under investigation.
