On the afternoon of Saturday January 1, the Hawaiʻi County Fire Department responded to a fire on Keopuka Makai Road in Captain Cook involving an approximately 1500 square foot structure. Because road access to the residence was blocked due to overgrown brush, handlines were pulled for water supply in addition to shuttle operations and bucket drops from chopper 2. The fire was fully extinguished however structure damage is estimated at $150,000. No injuries were reported.
A nearby resident said they witnessed an unidentified male set the structure on fire who was spotted an arrested by Hawaiʻi County Police. Officials suspect arson was to blame for the fire.
