Updated at 10:24 p.m., Monday, June 4, 2007
Moloka'i brush fire reportedly contained
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
There was no immediate threat to property, said Moloka'i police Lt. Timi Gapero.
Firefighters from Moloka'i's three stations, three helicopters, private tankers and support from the Maui Fire Department fought the blaze, which started at about noon, said Gapero.
"It was really blazing," Gapero said. "It spread rapidly because of the winds."
The brush fire burned an area between Ho'olehua Airport and Kaluako'i on the makai side of Maunaloa Highway, which was closed to traffic at 4 p.m. for three hours.
"We heard chatter on the radio that it burned 1,000 acres," Gapero said. "I don't know if it's the biggest brush fire we've had but the entire island was fighting it and it was big by today's standards."