| Two buildings in an apartment complex on the edge of developed areas in Waikoloa Village were temporarily evacuated as a precaution Friday evening while emergency responders attacked a wildland fire nearby.
No injuries have been reported and there is no imminent threat to developed residential areas in Waikoloa. The fire was reported on the south side of Waikoloa Road around 4:20 p.m. and Hawai‘i Fire Department and volunteer firefighters responded with helicopters, engines, a tanker and brush trucks.
As of 6:30 p.m. Friday, the fire involved about 200 acres and south-to-southwest winds were blowing it away from the village. No buildings or infrastructure had burned.
The evacuations were limited to Buildings 4 and 5 of the Lofts on Pua Melia Street and the evacuation order was rescinded around 7:15 p.m. A temporary shelter that was opened at Waikoloa Elementary School has been closed as all residents are allowed to return.
Waikoloa Road from Paniolo Avenue to Highway 190 remains closed; traffic below Paniolo Avenue to Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway is restricted to local residents.
“The aggressive response by firefighters helped to quickly limit the hazard, but we’re urging residents to pay attention for any additional alerts if conditions change,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “If you encounter emergency responders or road crews, please allow them space to operate safely and expect some traffic congestion.”
“As we move further into the dry season, it’s important that residents take steps to reduce fire risk, and everyone should have a plan in case they need to quickly leave an area threatened by fire,” said Talmadge Magno, Civil Defense administrator. |
