Waiawa fires burn 70 acres, no homes
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
Firefighters battled three wildfires yesterday in Waiawa that burned more than 70 acres of brush but never threatened any property.
The fires were reported about 12:45 p.m., said Fire Department spokesman Capt. Terry Seelig.
The fires were in three locations. Two were put out after burning about an acre apiece. The largest fire burned about 70 acres before it was contained at 5:30 p.m., Seelig said.
Firefighting operations were terminated in the evening, and the Fire Department helicopter is scheduled to fly over the area this morning to check for flareups and areas that may still be smoldering.
Seelig said five engines, four tankers and the Air One helicopter fought the fires. The Police Department helicopter also made water drops, Seelig said.
The burned areas were primarily former sugar cane fields and were well away from homes and other property, he said.
Because the largest fire was so isolated, there were no fire hydrants in the area and water had to be shuttled in, Seelig said. He said firefighters also had to navigate through ravines on narrow dirt paths, making efforts difficult.
"The topography made it a challenge," Seelig said.
No firefighters were hurt.
The cause of the fires was not immediately determined.