Updated at 12:57 p.m., Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Winds spur Moloka'i's west-end fire to burn 140 acres
News Release
The fire on Moloka'i at Kaluako'i first reported shortly before noon yesterday has increased to140 acres.By 1:30 yesterday afternoon, the fire had reportedly spread to 50 acres at Kaluako'i on the west end of Moloka''i.
Maui County fire crews worked through the night to battle the fire. None of the estimated 40 homes in the area were in immediate danger.
A preliminary investigation has indicated that the fire may have been accidentally started by workers cutting metal. A fire extinguisher available to the workers was not sufficient to extinguish the fire, which spread quickly under windy conditions.
The fire department's Air One helicopter is conducting water drops in an effort to bring the fire under control. Thirteen firefighters stationed on Moloka'i are on the scene. Nine fire personnel from Maui assisted with yesterday's firefighting efforts.
