Kauai fire investigators are trying to determine what ignited a brushfire in Poipu yesterday afternoon that destroyed one home and one cottage and damaged several other structures.
Fire investigators and state forestry officials spent the morning combing through a charred field searching for clues as to what started Wednesday’s devastating brushfire.
The fire caused more than 950-thousand dollars damage and scorched more than 50 acres of land.
"This room really took it," said June Tada.
Crews gutted the water damaged Tada’s home on Ala Kinoiki Street.
"It was a very good feeling that the neighborhood was pulling together yet it was devastating to see what was happening to," Tada said.
But while Tada’s home resembled a bee hive all was quiet at the home of Joe Grace. His home had nothing to salvage, everything was lost.
"Lucky had start from down here the fire from the bypass," said Kanani Grace.
He was at home when the fire first started at 2 in the afternoon. But while helping neighbors, his family’s home suddenly erupted in flames.
"When I heard ‘em on the radio, two houses above — something had ignite, ignite I climb over the wall, I look a the whole house going off," said Kanani Grace.
Residents say Kauai firefighters and community members did an amazing job saving so many structures.
"What a great job they did," said Debby Trenton whose home was saved. "They saved my house the firemen, there’s no way it wouldn’t have burned down if they weren’t here — it was a phenomenal effort."
Grace is a community leader, a youth coach and the owner of one of Kauai’s most popular lunchwagons. He was back at work Thursday escaping reality, even for just a few hours.
"You lose everything and you don’t want to think about it. You just want to close your eyes and continue going on. Otherwise what can you do — cannot bring it back," said Joe Grace.
"The whole community is going to be there for you Joe," said Joyce Miranda, a friend and loyal customer.
Customers and friends showered him with well-wishes, donations and promises to help the family rebuild.
"That’s good for Kauai we always hold each other up," said Joe Grace.
It’s what Kauai residents do – lending a helping hand. They did it Wednesday in the heat of a horrific brushfire and they’ll do it again.
"We only live once, enjoy your life and boy life is precious," said Joe Grace.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
