2006-02-08 Fire Commission Minutes

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Battalion Chief Robert Bailey reported that recently there were a few brush · fires in the Kau District wer of suspicious circumstances. The HCPD received a report that a vehicle was seen leaving the area of the first brush fire. An investigation showed thatthere was an attempt to set multiple fires in the area. There were four major fires; three arecold at this time. The remaining fire, called a forest line fire, had gone into an inaccessible area. Therefore, a bulldozer was used to provide a roadway and the fire is now contained. However, personnel are still working on the hot spots within that burn area. In addition to those brush fires, on February 6, 2006, another fire was reported near the 49 to 50 mile markers. The personnel were able to quickly extinguish that fire. Battalion Chief Reuben Chun reported that there was a fire that took place · at the Kawaihae Industrial Complex area. The nature of the fire is still unclear. There is a possibility that a nearby pile of macadamia nuts may have been ignited spontaneously. Due to heavy winds, brush was ignited and impacted a boathouse below the Macadamia Nut Production facility. The fire, which threatened homes, grew along a channel that had mechanicmaterial,brushandshrubbery,whichthreatenedhomes. Fortunately, responding units were able to extinguish the area. The Macadamia Nut Production facility received some structural damage. Also, a business owner informed him of a domestic altercation in the area. Battalion Chief Chun will be contacting Inspector Yagi to discuss the investigation further. Commissioner Kudlo asked whether the Fire Department had a team of arson investigators or if it was handled by a Federal agency. Chief Oliveira replied that the Fire Departments investigators coordinate with the Police Department. It is possible to request assistance from ATF if it involved large property losses or if there was a casualty or fatality. Commissioner Matsuda asked Battalion Chief Chun if his investigation concluded that the fire was started by the Macadamia Nut pile. Battalion Chief Chun answered that investigation is ongoing. The origin point is still not determined. There are other possibilities, such as a husk catching fire in the holding tank, which has happened in the past. Also, the altercation reported may be considered suspicious. Commissioner Okabe asked whether these types of fires were a common occurrence at the macadamia nut farms. Chief Oliveira replied these fires occur when there are natural products being stockpiled with little ventilation. 7