There was a big improvement in the number of fireworks-related blazes on Oahu during this year's Fourth of July compared to last year, fire officials said.
The Honolulu Fire Department said there were 113 fires reported on Tuesday. Of those, investigators determined that fireworks caused 78. A year ago, there were nearly 140 fireworks-related blazes.
The largest fireworks-related brush fire happened Tuesday night in Makakilo. That blaze scorched 3 acres and came close to the walls of five homes. Fire crews were able to prevent any property damage.
Most of the other fires were small.
"It was all over the place. Everything from rubbish can fires to storm drains, and there was also a gutter fire in Mililani," HFD Chief Kenneth Silva said.
The chief is urging continued caution since Hawaii is still in the middle of brush fire season.
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