Wai'anae brush fire brought under control
By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Staff Writer
A Wai'anae fire that started about 5 p.m. today in the vicinity of Maili'ili Road burned more than 40 acres before firefighters brought it under control at 7 p.m.
The fire came within 100 yards of the Waianae Comprehensvie Health Center, and within 50 yards of three homes nearby. No residents were evacuated.
The fire spread "in two fingers," heading in separate directions, said fire captain Richard Soo. The fire department brought 12 units and 45 firefighters to the scene.
Soo said that in order to make up for the shortage in manpower, the fire department shifted units from as far as Manoa and Palolo to the Leeward Coast to remain prepared for any other potential emergencies.
As on Friday evening, when a brush fire swept over 30 acres near the Kane'ohe Marine Corps base, the fire dept. was on Level 2 status, Soo said, meaning one-quarter of the departments on-duty people were dedicated to fighting the emergency.
The fire stretched from the road into hilly terrain and open scrubland, filling the air with billowing grey smoke.
After bringing the fire under control, the fire department continued to make water drops with its Air 1 helicopter to keep the fire from spreading further.
"This is only the third day of summer, and already we've had two major brush fires," Soo said.
The department is asking residents, particularly those who live near brushy land, to create a 10- to 15-foot firebreak around the properties.
The blaze that burned through 30 acres on Friday night may have been intentionally set, firefighters said today.
That fire was first spotted about 9 p.m. Friday near an H-3 lookout and the Kane'ohe Marine Corps base.
"Before the fire there was a man seen parked at the lookout and walking about 20 yards back to a ravine, having us believe it was maliciously set," said Capt. Soo.
There were no injuries or property damages Friday as a result of the brushfire, but the emergency call and a Wheeler Army Airfield housefire stretched manpower thin. Seven Honolulu fire ground units and three federal units, along with the fire department's Air 1 helicopter, responded.
Police shut down the H-3 Freeway in both directions Friday because too many drivers were pulling along the side of the freeway to watch the fire and got in the way of fire crews.
"Along with calling 911 promptly when they see a fire, we're asking people to use common sense and not come near the scene to watch," Soo said.
The Wheeler house fire gutted a town house and sent two residents to Wahiawa General Hospital for treatment after they suffered from minor smoke inhalation. An adult and child were at home at the time of the fire, but escaped.
Eight fire units responded to the 10:18 p.m. alarm at Peterson Court and Wright Avenue.
The fire occurred in one unit of a four-unit, two-story townhome complex. The blaze was brought under control at 11:13 p.m.
Other units suffered smoke and water damage. Property damage was estimated at $280,000.
