HANALEI — A pre-dawn blaze displaced two residents Monday.
HANALEI — A pre-dawn blaze displaced two residents Monday.
No injuries were reported. Volunteers with the America Red Cross assisted the displaced individuals.
Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion and then confirmed a structure fire on Weke Road at approximately 1 a.m.
Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel from the Princeville, Kaiakea and Kapa‘a fire stations, Lihu‘e rescue specialists, a battalion chief and the Fire Prevention Bureau responded to the incident, along with Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative and American Medical Rescue personnel.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered two, single-story dwellings fully engulfed in flames, with neighboring properties beginning to flame, according to a preliminary report.
Access to the front of the residence was limited due to fallen power lines. KIUC was able to cut all power to both structures.
Firefighters utilized a defensive strategy, knocking down the fire on the north structure while protecting exposure on the south structure, preventing further growth of the blaze. The fire was under control at approximately 2:20 a.m. and extinguished at approximately 3:30 a.m.
Both structures are considered a total loss. Damages are estimated at $952,800.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
I hope the investigation include low water flow in the fire hydrant nearest the the fire as well as all hydrants on Weke Road.