Updated at 10:03 p.m., Monday, October 22, 2007
Overnight fire watch set up in Makaha Valley
Advertiser Staff
Seven Honolulu Fire Department companies are keeping watch on brushfire in Makaha Valley which took a turn for the worse late this afternoon to move dangerously closer to homes at the Mauna Olu gated community and Makaha Valley Towers apartments.The plan is for an overnight watch unless the poses an immediate threat to property.
Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Capt. Earle Kealoha said the fire which had been headed up the mountainside most of today started coming down at about 5:30 p.m. due to a shift in winds.
The fire was burning behind Mauna Olu and near the Kaneaki Heiau, witnesses said. It was less than two miles from Makaha Valley Towers at one point, said Kealoha.
Kealoha estimated the total burned acreage since Friday at 500 of which 200 was scorched today.
In addition to homes, the fire is threatening endangered plants and animals on the top side of the cliff, said Kealoha.
