Updated at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Firefighters still battling brushfire near Makaha school
Advertiser Staff
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Fire Capt. Frank Johnson said the fire, which was reported about 11 a.m., is still not under control.
The fire, which has not threatened the school or homes in the area is moving toward the back of the valley on vacant land, Johnson said.
"We were fortunate in that the winds were blowing in off the ocean," Johnson said. "The school is toward the front of the valley and the fire was toward the back of the valley."
Because of the wind pattern, the school has not been affected by smoke from the fire, Johnson said.
"We asked the school to move one third-grade class from the mauka side to the cafeteria on the makai side, just as a precaution," Johnson said.
He said the fire did not result in any student being sent home for the day.
As of 2:15 p.m. six engine companies, two ladder companies, five tankers and the Fire Department's helicopter were at the scene. No injuries were reported, Johnson said.
Fire officials do not know what sparked the blaze, Johnson said.
"It's still pretty early in our brushfire season. But we have a lot of dry fuel out here, a lot of tall grass and brushy trees," he said.
Johnson could not estimate how soon the fire might be brought under control.
"Right now, it is moving toward Makaha or more in the direction of Yokohama Bay," he said.
The back of Ala Akau Street has been closed to traffic at times as firefighters fought the blaze.
