Volunteer Fire Department

The Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Department plays a crucial role within the Hawaii County Fire Department, operating as Company 11-Charley. Hawaii County is unique in the state for its use of volunteer firefighters, supplying them with the necessary direction, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) for call responses. Company 11-C collaborates regularly with both regular and volunteer fire companies from Naalehu, Pahala and Ocean View. These companies are dedicated to safeguarding all regions of the Kau district and may also contribute to combating significant fires in other parts of the Island. Additionally, both paid and volunteer fire companies from Kona, Volcano, South Kohala and Puna are often mobilized to defend the Kau district during major fire events.

Company 11-C is equipped to respond to emergencies with two fire apparatus: a 1990 Chevrolet Kodiak 500-gallon engine and a 1995 Ford F350 300-gallon brush truck. Volunteering as a firefighter can be challenging yet fulfilling. Many men and women across the island volunteer their time to serve their community in this capacity, and there is always a need for more volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to 11-C Volunteer Captain Terry (TJ) James at (808) 895-8133.

HISTORY - Planning for the Discovery Harbour fire house began in 1985. At that time there were few houses built and obtaining homeowner's insurance was an obstacle. In January 1986 a bid for the firehouse materials was approved in the amount of $7,125.76. In September of that year, Chuck Horan became the first Captain of the Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Department. A blessing was held for the new firehouse in April 1987. In December of that year, 11-C responded to its first brush fire. In April 1988, a 1972 International 750-gallon engine was acquired and remained in service until January 2014. Finally, the VFD Training Hall (Community Center) was completed in April 1989. A gallery of Discovery Harbour's volunteer fire captains is located in the Community Center.