Firefighters extinguished structure fire in Wailua Wednesday
Published on July 04, 2024
WAILUA – Kaua‘i Fire Department firefighters extinguished a structure fire in Wailua on Wednesday, July 3.
No injuries were reported.
Firefighters were dispatched to a report of a structure fire on Papaloa Road in Wailua on Wednesday evening.
Personnel with the Kapa‘a and Līhu‘e fire stations, Rescue 3, the Fire Prevention Bureau, and the on-duty Battalion Chief responded to the incident.
According to a preliminary report, upon arrival shortly after 9:10 p.m., firefighters discovered a nearly extinguished fire on the first floor of the back lanai at a motel.
After firefighters extinguished the fire, KFD Fire Prevention Bureau investigators took over the scene and conducted an investigation.
Firefighters cleared the scene shortly before 10 p.m.
The cause of the fire was determined as accidental due to fireworks.
Damages to the structure and contents are estimated at $50,000.
"We remind everyone to keep safety as the top priority when using fireworks on Independence Day,” said KFD Chief Michael Gibson. “The individuals in the incident were lucky. However, to ensure community safety, always supervise children around fireworks, educate everyone involved about the dangers of improper fireworks use, and never light fireworks in your hand or throw them.”
Fireworks and firecrackers may only be ignited on private property between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on July 4. Setting off fireworks on public property, such as streets, sidewalks, or parks, is illegal. Removing the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework is strictly prohibited.
The public is also reminded that all aerial luminaries, also known as flying lanterns or flying luminaries, are prohibited in the State of Hawai‘i.
Only licensed pyrotechnicians with proper permits are authorized to ignite aerial fireworks.
While no permit is required for the following items, they are still classified as fireworks: snakes, sparklers, fountains, cylindrical or cone fountains, whistles, toy smoke devices, wheels, and ground spinners, and other similar products.
For more information about fire safety, please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985 or visit Kauai.gov/fire.
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