Updated at 5:32 p.m., Monday, July 9, 2007
Kauai brushfire spreads to wildlife preserve
Advertiser Staff
A brushfire on Kaua'i, which started at 11:45 last night near Halehaka Road in Puhi, has spread to the nearby federal wildlife preserve.The fire was reported under control at about 5:30 this morning, but fire officials say it could burn for a few more days.
"It's burning very slowly, deep in the forest under trees and causing a lot of smoke," said Kaua'i Fire Chief Robert Westerman.
The fire has burned 30 acres of brush and 10 acres of the wildlife preserve.
Eight on-duty firefighters from the Kalaheo, Lihu'e and Waimea fire stations, six firefighters on callback, a Public Works water tender and the Fire Department's helicopter are currently on scene.
Most of them, however, expected to leave at around 6 p.m. One person will remain to monitor the situation.
In the last month, Kaua'i firefighters have responded to 52 fires, according to county spokeswoman Mary Daubert.
Correction: A previous version of this story reported the wrong figure for the wildlife preserve area burned by the brushfire.
