Waihee-Waiehu brush fire containment at 80%

PHOTOS/VIDEO: Heavy equipment was deployed to help contain a brush fire that burned about 25 acres in Waiehu mauka of Kahekili Highway near Maka’ala Drive, fire officials said. Kahekili Highway was closed from Makaala Drive to Waiehu Beach Road, early through late morning Thursday. Precautionary voluntary evacuations were advised and later lifted. The fire’s containment remained at 80% as of late Thursday afternoon. No injuries or structural damage were reported. Smoke impacted residents of Wailuku Country Estates, Puuohala Village and Waiehu Terrace, who were cautioned about possible evacuation. A temporary voluntary evacuation site was set up at Keopuolani Skate Park and later closed. Earlier, residents could see and smell smoke as the Maui Fire Department’s Air One helicopter flew in numerous water drops to douse blaze first reported at 2:17 a.m. Thursday in the area mauka of Kahekili Highway near Maka’ala Drive.
Maui Now

Hawaiian Electric begins installation of weather station network in high-risk areas to strengthen wildfire response

PHOTOS/VIDEO: Hawaiian Electric is installing a network of weather stations in wildfire-prone areas in an effort to provide key information about wind, temperature and humidity to help the company better predict and respond to fire weather conditions. The project includes the installation of 52 weather stations on four islands. The weather stations, mounted on Hawaiian Electric utility poles, will provide meteorological data that will help the company to decide whether to activate and deactivate a public safety power shutoff, or PSPS. Under the PSPS program launched July 1, Hawaiian Electric may preemptively shut off power in areas that are at high risk of wildfires during periods of forecast high winds and dry conditions.
Maui Now

Suspected arson causes brush fires in Waimea, Kauai; under investigation

VIDEO: The Kauai Fire Department (KFD) reported that the brush fire that occurred in Waimea above Panini Place has been extinguished, and officials suspect that arson was the cause. Fire crews and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) extinguished the fire on Monday evening, July 22, 2024. No injuries or damaged structures were reported. As investigators observed the Poki’i ridge fire and the Panini fire on Tuesday, investigators discovered incendiary devices in the area of the Poki’i ridge fire and suspect that both fires were intentionally set. “Arson can quickly lead to uncontrollable wildfires, endangering lives, property, and the surrounding area. Once a fire starts, it can rapidly spread to nearby vegetation, structures, and residential areas, causing extensive damage and the potential for injuries,” said Kauai Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson.
KITV ABC 4 Honolulu