LIHUE — A brush fire scorched approximately 40 acres behind the Lihue Airport Saturday morning and filled the sky with plumes of smoke that were visible for miles. The fire, which broke out at about 8:20 a.m. Saturday, was initially
LIHUE — A brush fire scorched approximately 40 acres behind the Lihue Airport Saturday morning and filled the sky with plumes of smoke that were visible for miles.
The fire, which broke out at about 8:20 a.m. Saturday, was initially contained at about 1:20 p.m., but then jumped to the eastern end of the area an hour later, according to a county news release. At 4:30 p.m., the fire was under control again.
County firefighters from the Kapaa, Lihue and Kalaheo stations, state firefighters from the Airport Crash Fire, Air 1 and Rescue 3 battled the fire. In addition, personnel from the Department of Public Works and the state Department of Transportation provided assistance by cutting firebreaks, which helped contain the fire.
Engine 3, Rescue 3, Tender 1 and a battalion chief remained on the scene Saturday evening, dousing the area to prevent flare-ups.
The cause of the fire is undetermined.
Kauai Fire Department Battalion Chief Albert Kaui, who served as incident commander, reminded the public to be diligent about fire safety and prevention.
“With the warm weather and drought conditions, dry brush and trees can ignite easily,” Kaui said. “The public should be sure that campfires are put out completely and not toss cigarettes on the ground or out the window while driving. We need everyone to be extra careful.”
