Updated at 8:18 p.m., Tuesday, August 14, 2007
2 Leeward schools closed Wednesday due to smoke
Advertiser Staff
Wai'anae High School and Makaha Elementary School will be closed Wednesday because of heavy smoke generated by a wildfire in Waialua, the state Department of Education announced tonight.The fire continues to burn out of control in Waialua and is spreading to the Wheeler/Schofield Barracks area.
The Honolulu Fire Department has asked residents in Waialua near Otake Camp to be prepared to evacuate if necessary, said Capt. Terry Seelig, HFD spokesman.
Smoke from the flames is creating a health hazard on the Wai'anae Coast, and an emergency shelter has been set up at Nanakuli Beach Park.
Some 5,000 acres have burned since Sunday afternoon. The fire is expected to burn into the night fueled by changing, gusty winds and acres of dried brush.
In an attempt to control the blaze, the department has 125 firefighters with 27 companies on site, along with five helicopters.
