DLNR NEWS RELEASE: DLNR fire crews respond to wildfire in Wai’anae Valley
Posted on Nov 18, 2016 in Latest Department News1000-acre estimated fire size spreads mauka into Wai‘anae-Kai Forest Reserve
HONOLULU — State wildfire crews are responding today to a wildfire that started last night in the back of Wai‘anae valley. Due to extremely strong and gusty winds, as of mid-morning today, the fire spread up into the Wai‘anae mountains, into the Wai‘anae-Kai state forest reserve. The Honolulu Fire Department was first to respond on Thursday night about 7 p.m. and is continuing to battle the fire today. The total fire burn acreage estimate is 1,000 acres.
DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife today is deploying 12 firefighters and 3 brush trucks with 300-gallon tank and pump units to the area. DOFAW has two contract helicopters making water drops, along with one HFD helicopter.
The lower areas of the forest reserve are steep and vegetation consists of dense dry guinea grass, haole koa and non-native species. The last major fire to burn in the upper valley area was in June 2012 when 1,200 acres burned, including 400 acres of forest reserve lands.
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Media contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Communications specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320