Fireworks blamed in 1 of 2 Big Island brush fires

Fireworks are blamed for a brush fire on the Big Island that burned about an acre of land on Old Puako Beach Road in South Kohala Monday.

Hawaii County firefighters also battled another brush fire in North Kohala that closed Kohala Mountain Road at about 1:20 a.m. today near the 4.5 mile marker of the road.

The fire was reported extinguished as of about 4:15 a.m., but fire units remained on scene. The cause is under investigation. Police completely re-opened the road by about 6 a.m.

The Old Puako Beach Road fire was reported at 2:19 p.m. and under control at 2:43 p.m. Firefighters said they found a substance that looked like fireworks residue next to the burn area, about 3 feet off the road.