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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, January 4, 2010

Brushfires, rescue of hiker keep firefighters on the go

Advertiser Staff

Honolulu firefighters were busy yesterday battling two brushfires and rescuing an injured hiker from the Maunawili Falls trail.

The first fire began about 1.5 miles from the Mänana Trail head at the top of Komo Mai Drive in Pearl City, said Honolulu Fire Capt. Terry Seelig. The 1-acre fire was initially reported at 6:15 p.m Saturday, but was found to be slow-moving and smoldering and posed no threat to property.

The fire is believed to have been started by an unattended campfire.

Because of the location, the fire was not accessible, and firefighters had to return yesterday. Four firefighters using hand tools and a water pack extinguished the fire by 11 a.m., Seelig said.

The second brushfire began about 11:15 a.m. yesterday in the mountains above the Waiawa Correctional Facility, Seelig said. The fire was located approximately one mile above the Waiawa facility and did not pose a threat to it or any other property, he said.

Firefighters flew five firefighters to the location and dropped water by helicopter. The fire was contained by 12:30 p.m. and was extinguished by 3:30 p.m., Seelig said.

About an acre of inaccessible brush burned. The fire is believed to have been started when a tree branch came in contact with a power line.

The injured female hiker was rescued from the Maunawili Falls Trail at 1 p.m., Seelig said. The woman, a visitor in her 50s, slipped while walking on a muddy trail and injured her wrist.