HFD Monitors Pahala Brush Fire

Over 220 acres of land has burned in the Pahala brush fire along Highway 11, near Ninole Loop.

Hawai’i County Fire Department personnel continue to monitor the brush fire area. Daytime monitoring Tuesday and Wednesday has consisted of wetting down hotspots and preventing the fire from spreading to unburnt areas.

On Wednesday, four HFD personnel and one volunteer firefighter tended to the fire.

According to HFD officials, the fire has spread just slightly since Monday, where it was initially said that 200 acres had burned. Between Tuesday morning and Wednesday night, HFD did not note any additional fire gain.

Four HFD personnel have been placed on overnight watch since the brush fire began on Monday. These individuals are responsible for wetting down hotspots and monitoring fire breaks.

The acres consumed by the fire is all on vacant land that consists of pasture, tall grass, brush, and trees.

The fire was first reported before Noon on Monday. When HFD officials arrived on scene, 20 acres of land had burned and the fire had threatened to jump the highway. Strong trade winds led to a spread of the fire, forcing the Hawai’i Police Department to close Highway 11 in the area for several hours during the afternoon.

Officials say the cause of the fire remains unknown.