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MICHELLE BIR / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER
Heavy black smoke from a junkyard fire rises over H-1 Freeway westbound near Waipahu this afternoon.
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2026 Sept 30 CTY – Photo by Michelle Bir / Special to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Heavy black smoke rises from a fire seen from H-1 Freeway westbound near Waipahu, Hawaii, on Sept. 30, 2026.
A fire at a Pearl City junkyard this afternoon spewed black smoke throughout the area and prompted state health officials to warn residents with respiratory conditions to take precautions.
The Honolulu Fire Department responded to the fire at ABC Towing & Parts on Lehua Avenue at 2:48 p.m., sending 11 units and 38 firefighters to battle the blaze that sent a huge plume of thick smoke that could be seen from miles away. The first unit arrived at 3:06 p.m. and that reported a large pile of recycled material was burning.
Firefighters contained the blaze just before 5 p.m. and remained at the scene into the evening to perform overhaul tactics to search for hidden fires to prevent rekindling, HFD said.
The Hawaii Department of Health said they dispatched on-site coordinators to manage the environmental emergency response.
Officials with the department’s Clean Air Branch urged residents and visitors in the surrounding area, especially those suffering from pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, to take precautionary measures or leave the area until the smoke subsides.
The Health Department has fined ABC Towing & Parts several times in the past for numerous violations, including in July, when it ordered the company to cease operations in for allegedly failing to properly store and remove solid waste from its site.
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Health officials offered this advice for anyone affected by today’s heavy smoke or with respiratory conditions:
>> Avoid outdoor activities to reduce exposure and minimize health risks, which is especially for children, seniors and in those with conditions such as chronic lung and heart disease.
>> Stay indoors and close all windows and doors. If using an air conditioner, set it to recirculate the air.
>> Those leaving the area should turn on their vehicle’s air conditioner and set it to the recirculate option.
>> Keep medications on hand. Prescribed medications for respiratory illnesses should be taken on schedule.
>> Anyone who experiences health problems, should contact their doctor immediately.
>> Do not smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.
>> Drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.