KEALIA — A Kaua‘i Fire Department firefighter was injured Sunday after first responders extinguished a fire in Kealia.
KEALIA — A Kaua‘i Fire Department firefighter was injured Sunday after first responders extinguished a fire in Kealia.
“I want to thank our first responders for responding quickly, extinguishing the fire and saving the life of their fellow firefighter,” said KFD Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “This fire put our firefighters at significant risk and almost claimed the life of one of our own.”
According to a preliminary report, at approximately 5:50 p.m. Sunday, KFD personnel were dispatched to a brush fire on Kealia Road.
Personnel with the Kaiakea fire station responded to the fire, and medics with American Medical Response were quickly on the scene to treat the injured firefighter, according to a county press release.
Firefighters arrived on the scene and discovered a fire in a 20-by-60-foot area. Firefighters observed a mixture of brush, car tires and trash. Because a fence impeded access to the fire, firefighters crossed over it to get to the fire.
Once firefighters extinguished the fire, a firefighter sustained injuries crossing the fence, descending on a haole koa tree, which punctured his body. Firefighters on the scene treated the firefighter until medics arrived. He was transported to Wilcox Medical Center emergency room and was taken to the intensive-care unit. He is expected to make a full recovery.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Dry conditions accelerate the growth and spread of brush fires. To prevent fires, the KFD Fire Prevention Bureau advises the public to maintain an effective firebreak within 30 feet of homes by clearing away vegetative growth and combustible items.
To report suspicious activity, please call the Kaua‘i Police Department at 808-241-1711.
