Molokai Crews Battle 3 Brush Fires

Molokai brush fires 12/19/12. Courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

Firefighters on Molokai responded to three separate brush fires today in the area of Hoomalu Drive and Likelike Avenue.

The fires were reported at 11:36 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 19, and burned a total of 21.5 acres of brush.

Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga said the first fire was a half acre in size; the second fire was an acre; and the third fire was estimated to be 20 acres.

The first two smaller fires were put out fairly quickly, with the third called contained at 2:15 p.m., said Mainaga.

Among the crews responding to the scene were the Maui Fire Department’s Engine-4, Tanker-4, Engine-9, Engine-12, Wildland-4, Air-1, and two takers and a bulldozer from the County Public Works Department.

Crews remained on scene this afternoon to conduct mop-up operations.