The Ka Makana Alii mall was evacuated due to the fire. Credit: Hawaii News Now
Very rarely do we get a chance to see a wildfire grow and see the fire response via a webcam. The Kapolei fire, which caused the evacuation of the large Ka Makana Alii mall, was a unique one for that reason. Thank you to Oahu's firefighters for continuing to protect lives and safety every day.
Firefighters worked vigorously Tuesday to extinguish yet another brush fire that burned in Leeward Oahu.
The Kapolei fire was reported just after 3 p.m. near Renton Road and Kapolei Parkway.
Thick smoke was seen billowing for miles as almost 50 firefighters rushed to the scene.
The fire prompted the closure of Kapolei Parkway in both directions from Kualakai Parkway to Renton Road. That road reopened just after 7:30 p.m.
Ka Makana Alii was also evacuated around 4 p.m. Heavy smoke and the fire's proximity to the mall led HPD to block off entrances to the center, and mall security to order patrons out.
At one point, officials said the blaze was headed towards homes along Renton Road, but firefighters were able to stop it.