David Y. Ige

For fire mop-up activity

HONOLULU —  Wa‘ahila Ridge State Recreation Area will remain closed today for public safety, as Dept. of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife wildfire crews continue mop up activity on a two-acre fire that burned at the uppermost portion within the state park. The fire was first reported early Wednesday morning. It was fully contained as of last night.

The park gate is closed and a DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officer is stationed there to inform people of the ongoing fire response and park closure. DOCARE has opened a criminal investigation into the fire’s origin.

The fire occurred in the upper reaches of the park, between the water tank and the top pavilion, amid Norfolk pines, strawberry guava and ironwood trees. Fire crews are using hand tools and water to extinguish smoldering in ironwood duff (accumulated leaf litter).  For status of the park re-opening, please check the Division of State Parks website at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/

“Fires in Hawai‘i are often a human-caused phenomenon. Even with the recent wet weather O‘ahu has experienced, it is still possible for someone to set a fire. We remind the public to be cautious and to immediately report any fire to emergency responders,” said Rob Hauff, state protection forester.

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Media contact:

Deborah Ward

DLNR Communications specialist

Phone: (808) 587-0320