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.