KAPAA, Hawaii — Kauai fire officials determined the fire that broke out Tuesday afternoon near Kapaa Bypass Road was caused by the improper use of charging equipment, which consisted of a photovoltaic panel connected to a car battery.
“Our first responders did an excellent job keeping this fire from quickly spreading out of control, and we are grateful for their diligence to protect our community,” said Kauai Fire Chief Michael Gibson in a statement. “This fire was completely preventable and we urge everyone to follow fire safety measures especially during these drier summer conditions.”
On Tuesday at 12:15 p.m., Kauai Fire Department crews were dispatched after receiving reports of heavy smoke near the roundabout and discovered an area of about 75-feet by 75-feet of guinea grass and haole koa trees on fire. Officials deemed the fire under control at 2:30 p.m. and fully extinguished at 3:30 p.m., after burning 10 acres of land.
Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire that started Monday in Hanapepe.
