VIDEO: Ukumehame Brush Fire Contained; Sparked by Construction

By Wendy Osher

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnGBjqxzHBI /](Update: 4:09 p.m. Monday, 2/27/11)

Crews from the Maui Fire Department had contained a brush fire reported in the hills above Ukumehame by 4 o’clock this afternoon (Monday 2/27/11).  Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga said the two-acre fire originated when workers from Dorvin D. Leis were cutting concrete at a pump station in the area.

Sparks from the concrete cutting operations ignited the surrounding area of dry grass at around 1:40 p.m.

The first companies to arrive on scene were Engine 3, Ladder 3 and Tanker 3.  They were later assisted by Tanker 10, Engine 11, Mini 11, Hazmat 10, and Air 1. Also responding were Battalion Chiefs 3 and 6, and a tanker from the private West Maui Land Company.

At 4:09 p.m., crews remained on scene for mop-up operations.

Crews from the Maui Fire Department were utilizing the department's helicopter to conduct water drops at a brush fire in Ukumehame (June 27, 2011). Photo Courtesy Oralani Koa.

(Update 2:30 p.m. Monday, 2/27/11)

Crews from the Maui Fire Department are responding to a brush fire above Ukumehame reported earlier this afternoon. The fire was not impacting traffic at last report, and crews were already dispatched to the scene.  A fire department helicopter was also reportedly assisting with water drops.