Puako Information Update for July 23rd, 2019

5-Acre Brush fire leads the Closure of Queen Kaahumanu Hwy near Puako Beach Drive Tuesday afternoon (July 23rd)

The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) along with the Hawaii Police Department (HPD) is on scene of a 5-acre brush fire that started on Tuesday afternoon (July 23rd).

The initial call came in at 12:23 pm and crews from the South Kohala, North Kohala, Waikoloa, and Waimea Fire Stations along with Chopper 1, Battalion 2, and volunteers from the Anekona, Kalaoa Mauka, and Kohala Ranch Stations responding or on scene at this time on Quee. Kaahumanu Hwy at the 71-Mile Marker.

HPD reports Queen Kaahumanu Hwy near Puako Beach Drive is closed to all traffic at this time.

HFD officials report they have the fire contained to 5 acres will continue with mop-up operations. A bulldozer from a private contractor was en route to cut a fire break around the perimeter.

No evacuations have been ordered and no injuries have been reported at this time.

HFD officials also report that they discovered a down power line and pole below Queen Kaahumanu Hwy and believe that was cause of the fire.

We will update you as more information becomes available.