HFD Responding to Brush Fire in Pahala District

The Hawai‘i County Fire Department is responding to a brush fire reported on Ka‘alualu Road adjacent to the Discovery Harbor Subdivision in the Pahala District.

The initial report of two fires in a very large nearly roadless area of mostly 10 to 15 foot high Hale Koa, Guinea Grass and Christmas Berry Trees. A strong east northeast trade winds fanned the fire.

The fire was reported at sunset on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018, and the size of the current fire has not determined until an overflight is taken on Sunday morning.

One D-9 dozer is working through the night and a second D-8 dozer will join at first light.

Firefighters had created a perimeter around the ‘south’ of the fire and were working on encircling the ‘north’ fire.

Helicopter water drops started in the morning, and as of this writing, the fires were 80% contained, but strong and gusty winds were hindering extinguishment and control.

HFD crews will remain overnight extinguishing hot spots and any fire break jumps. Dozer ops will continue as well. Helicopter water drops will resume at first light.