Crews fight scrap metal fire in Kailua-Kona, immediate area evacuated

KAILUA-KONA (HawaiiNewsNow) - Firefighters on Hawaii Island responded to a scrap metal fire Monday in North Kona around 3 p.m.

Multiple calls came in about an apparent fire at 74-0589 Honokohau Street, near Queen Kaahumanu Highway, across from the boat harbor.

Crews arrived to 50x50 area of metal burning

Hawaii Island police evacuated businesses and residents half a mile away, due to large dense plume of toxic smoke.

Once water supply was available, crews were able to extinguish the blaze.

The Hawaii Police Department sent out an advisory, warning the public to avoid Honokohau Street in North Kona “due to a fire and copious amounts of smoke.”

Crews monitored the air quality and all areas read zero on the monitors.

Evacuation notice was lifted at 4:35 p.m. on Monday.

Initial reports showed high levels of carbon monoxide.

No structures were damaged, aside from some heavy machinery.