An 8,000-acre brush fire leaves smoke hovering over Waimea on Saturday, July 31, 2021. (PC: Jamie Biele)
A brush fire in Waimea has grown to 8,000 acres, officials confirmed this afternoon.
The blaze was initially reported on Mana Road, near Parker Ranch land outside of Waimea, around 10:45 a.m. Friday, July 30. While fire breaks were established Friday night, the flames jumped the lines due to high winds, Hawai‘i Chief Kazuo Todd told Big Island Now Saturday.
Winds have continued throughout the morning and into the aftermoon. Smoke from the fire could be seen from Waikoloa. Jamie Biele captured images of the smoke hovering over Waimea.
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More than 70 fire personnel between HFD, Division of Land and Natural Resources and Pōhakuloa Fire Department are battling the blaze. Todd said crews are utilizing both HFD helicopters as well as two US Army UH-60 Blackhawks from Pōhakuloa Training Area.
Currently, PTA officials say fire crews are positioned on the north side of Old Saddle Road (vicinity Waiki‘i Ranch) to monitor and provide water as required.
Todd said no structures are currently being threatened and there are no road closures at this time.
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This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Tiffany DeMasters Tiffany DeMasters is a full-time reporter for Pacific Media Group. Tiffany worked as the cops and courts reporter for West Hawaii Today from 2017 to 2019. She also contributed stories to Ke Ola Magazine and Honolulu Civil Beat.
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