Number of brush fires rises on Maui

Associated Press

KAHULUI, Maui — Maui County firefighters have battled 139 brush fires so far this year — nearly double the 75 blazes that were fought during the same period a year ago, according to recently released statistics from interim Fire Chief Richard Fernandez.

During the same period in 2001, there were 133 brush fires, and in 2000 there were 106.

Dry and windy weather this year may be responsible for some of the increase in brush fires, usually caused by people careless with flames, said Interim Deputy Chief Alan Cordeiro.

"I believe we did have a little wetter and cooler year" in 2002, he said.

Fernandez said that although there have been high-profile fires and the numbers of brush fires are up, the statistics may paint a distorted picture. The statistics include small roadside grass fires as well as incidents in which bystanders or residents put out brush fires before crews can arrive at the scene, he said.

Although most brush fires cause little property damage, the costs for the Fire Department add up.

A brush fire on the south slopes of Haleakala, for instance, burned about 2,500 acres last month. Helicopter services cost approximately $55,000, including the cost of the Fire Department's Air One helicopter and several private helicopters that assisted, Fernandez said.