LIHU‘E — A structure fire and water rescue on opposite ends of the island ended with minimal damage and no injuries on Wednesday, the Kaua‘i Fire Department said.
The first incident happened shortly before 6:20 a.m. when firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire on Papalina Road in Kalaheo.
“According to a preliminary report, upon arrival, Kalaheo fire station personnel discovered flames through a second-story window and attacked the fire. The structure’s owner was home at the time and was uninjured,” the Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD) said in a statement.
“After the fire was extinguished, personnel with the KFD Fire Prevention Bureau investigated and determined the cause of the fire to be accidental. Due to the quick action of firefighters, the blaze affected a 5-by-5 foot area of the second floor and did not spread to other portions of the structure.”
Firefighters cleared the scene at approximately 10:05 a.m.. Damage was estimated at $1,000.
The second incident happened shortly after 10 a.m. when two local, 18-year-old male kayakers were reported missing in the ocean between Kalalau and Hanakoa. The report sparked a multi-agency response, including the KFD Ocean Safety Bureau (OSB) and U.S. Coast Guard.
“After 40 minutes into the search, a red kayak was spotted in waters about a quarter mile from Kalalau Beach. Shortly after, OSB personnel with the North Rove Ski Patrol spotted the first kayaker and brought him to Kalalau Beach,” the fire department said in a statement.
“Air 1 continued its search and located the second kayaker near the shore between Kalalau and Hanakoa. OSB personnel shuttled the second kayaker to Kalalau Beach. Both declined medical attention and transport to Ke‘e Beach.”
The scene was cleared around noon. Personnel from the Hanalei fire station also responded to the scene.
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Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, can be reached at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.
