The effects have reached beyond the valley as far as MÅkaha, said Honolulu Fire Capt. Richard Soo.

“It’s like a volcanic haze that settled over everywhere,” Soo said. “People with respiratory problems might have some discomfort.

“We would like them to seek medical attention. And, although we are not ordering an evacuation, they might like to remove themselves from the area.”

Another immediate worry this morning was the threat to a range of businesses, including floral nurseries and livestock operations, Soo said.

Fifteen HFD units, as well as federal firefighting crews and tankers and helicopters from the state forestry division and the military have been deployed in the fire, Soo said.

A total of 15 Honolulu Fire Department units were dispatched to the area of the fire, said Soo.

The blaze started at 8:21 p.m. last night near Angel's Junkyard, 85-1570 Wai'anae Valley Road; it was contained last night but later began burning along a new fire line, Soo said.

State forestry fire crews joined the fight this morning, concerned about native plants that flourish deep in the valley; however, the south-southwest bearing of the fire line doesn't appear to threaten the native forest, Soo said.

Kapua Kawelo, a biologist who works for the environmental division of U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii and cooperates with forestry officials in protecting native species, said the endangered plants include the nehe, a Hawaiian plant in the daisy family. Other plants include the uhiuhi, a native bean plant culturally significant because its wood was used to make spears, Kawelo said.