UPDATE: MOLOKAI BRUSH FIRE BURNS 2,500 ACRES

A brush fire burned an estimated 2,500 acres since it was first reported shortly after noon, Saturday, August 29, 2009.  The fire was located above the town of Kaunakakai and continued to burn in the mauka direction at nightfall.

Kaunakakai brush Fire. Photo courtesy Lani Gomes.

Three helicopters assisted crews from the Molokai’s Kaunakakai, Hoolehua and Pukoo fire stations. Air operations included water drops throughout the day, but ceased at nightfall for safety reasons.

Firefighters from Maui were sent to assist Molokai crews with personnel from the Napili and Wailuku fire stations leaving Maui in the afternoon via helicopter and a fire department rescue boat. Molokai firefighters belonging to a relief engine crew were also called back to duty.

One firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation and was reportedly in stable condition at the Molokai General Hospital.

Thirty-one firefighters were joined by nearly a dozen personnel from County and State support agencies as well as heavy equipment operators from Goodfellow Brothers Co. who assisted with bulldozers used to put fire break lines in place. Water tankers from County and State highway divisions were deployed to the scene.

No structures were threatened. The fire’s closest point to structures was approximately one mile.

Crews are monitoring the fire throughout the night and air support will resume at daylight.

The cause of the fire is unknown.  A county issued update is expected before noon tomorrow, Sunday, August 30, 2009.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Information provided by the County of Maui)