A brushfire burning on Molokai since noon on Saturday is still going after three days and has since burned about 7,800 acres.

More than 70 county and state firefighters are battling the blaze with assistance from five helicopters, seven bulldozers and five water tankers.
The Department of Education announced that Molokai High School, Molokai Middle School and Kaunakakai Elementary will be open on Tuesday. Officials at Kualapuu Elementary Public Charter School will announce Tuesday whether that school will be open.
Fire officials said the fire is burning in a westerly direction and fire crews are dealing with gulches throughout the terrain.Bulldozers are being heavily used as equipment operators place fire break lines to help prevent the fire from advancing. Firefighters are dealing with flare-ups throughout the burn areas.
“Our crews are doing an outstanding job and we truly appreciate the great support from the people and businesses of Molokai,” said Fire Chief Jeff Murray. “So many have come forward to offer whatever help
they can provide including dropping off food for our firefighters and support personnel. We want them to know that we’re grateful for their generosity and can’t thank them enough.”

Last night, an abandoned structure near Kalamaula was completely burned as firefighters fought to save the home near the abandoned building. The home was not damaged. A pig farm near Kalamaula was also threatened by the fire but did not sustain damage and the livestock were unharmed.

Cooke Memorial Swimming Pool will remain closed while it is being used as a water source for the helicopters.

A portion of Maunaloa Highway was closed last night as fire crews and equipment traveled through the area to keep the fire from advancing.

Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center yesterday to accommodate anyone displaced. Two stayed overnight. The shelter closed at 1 p.m. today.

Aside from one firefighter who was treated for smoke inhalation on Saturday, no other injuries are reported.

The cause of the fire is unknown. Helicopter assistance will end at nightfall as a safety precaution and is expected to resume tomorrow at daylight.
Molokai High, Molokai Middle School, Kaunakakai Elementary and Kualapuu Elementary Public Charter were closed today.
DOE Maui Complex Superintendent Lindsay Ball said the fire posed no direct threat to the school campuses, but the conditions and hazards caused by the fire in nearby areas created a situation where faculty and parents were not able to access roadways leading to the school campus.
To check for Tuesday’s school closure information, parents can call DOE’s Maui District office at 808-984-8001 or the Molokai Complex office at 808-553-1723.