Fire crews say a downed HELCO line sparked the blaze

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii: A one acre brush fire in Kona closed Kuakini Highway on Monday, just a few days after a 38 acre blaze snarled traffic and forced evacuations.

The two fires were not related. Fire officials say Monday’s incident was the result of a energized HELCO line that made contact with ground and ignited the brush. The reason the line fell is unknown.

The fire, which was reported around 4:15 p.m., burned in the open land north of Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Kuakini Highway Intersection. Kuakini was closed from Keakealani Dr. to area South of Kona Out Door Circle.

There were no reports of injuries, nor any monetary damage.