KAILUA-KONA — A brush fire likely sparked by a cigarette burned about 100 acres Tuesday afternoon off Kaiminani Drive in Kailua-Kona.
Firefighters responding to the 1:40 p.m. alarm, arrived at the scene north of Kaiminani Drive and makai of Ane Keohokalole Highway to find about 1/2 to 1 acre burning with strong and gusty winds fanning the flames, according to the Hawaii Fire Department. Witnesses told firefighters that they had seen someone discard a cigarette out of a vehicle window prior to the fire’s ignition.
The fire was controlled using two fire department helicopters performing water drops and two privately contracted dozers to cut a firebreak. Ground crews units extinguished hot spots and prevented the fire from jumping both Kaiminani Drive and Ane Keohokalole Highway.
The fire was declared out at 7 p.m.
Hawaii Community College — Palamanui officials said the campus was evacuated about 3 p.m. Tuesday. All afternoon and evening classes were canceled.
The college is closed today due to Hurricane Lane’s impending arrival.