Nanakuli homes feel heat from latest fire

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

A brushfire came within 30 feet of two homes in Nanakuli yesterday afternoon, but there were no reports of property damage.

The fire began about 5:25 p.m. on Hakimo Road near Akowai Road, said fire spokesman Capt. Kenison Tejada.

No homes were evacuated, but there were anxious moments as the flames came close to two homes on Hakimo Road.

"The burned-out area came to within 30 feet of homes, but the (fire) companies were there when the fire got that close so they were able to knock it down," Tejada said.

For most of the afternoon Tejada said the fire burned uphill and away from the homes. But firefighters remained at the base of a hillside as a precaution.

"We have guys situated down below in the event it should come down the hill where the grass is thicker," Tejada said. "The guys are ready to make a stand."

Eight fire engines, three water tankers and the Air One helicopter were sent to fight the fire, which was brought under control at 6:52 last night. Tejada said about 12 acres of brush were burned.

The cause of the fire was not known.

The thick smoke and firefighting equipment prompted police to close Hakimo Road from Akowai and Waiolu Street for several hours yesterday.

The fire also caused traffic problems on Farrington Highway as cars were backed up all the way to Honokai Hale, Tejada said.

Honolulu firefighters have responded to more than 200 brushfires this year, well above the pace from 2004.

Tejada earlier this week said the Fire Department is prepared for the Fourth of July weekend, but acknowledged that with the large number of brushfires, "our resources are getting stretched thin."

The Wai'anae Coast has been especially hard-hit by brushfires this year, including one that burned an estimated 3,000 acres in Nanakuli Valley last month.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8025.