Updated at 10:21 p.m., Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Wetness made for calmer New Year's, fire officials say
Advertiser Staff
Fire officials reported fewer fireworks-related fires this New Year's Eve than in previous years, and the rainy weather likely prevented small brushfires from growing larger."It was very wet, and that undoubtedly helped to control fire spread," said Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Terry Seelig. "It appears we were a lot less busy than on previous New Year's Eves, but more busy than on an average day."
In the three-day period from Dec. 30 to yesterday, the fire department reported 57 fireworks-related fires, fewer than the 61 logged last year during that three-day span. The total number of fires during the three days this year, 90, also was fewer than last year's total, 127, the department said.
The city's Emergency Medical Services experienced a heavier call volume than normal, with more than 400 calls through 9 a.m. yesterday, but there were no critical injuries or fatalities, Cheplic said.
