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FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARADVERTISER.COM
A persistent brush fire in Makua Valley was finally contained yesterday. Above, a federal fire engine on Farrington Highway in front of Makua Valley prepared to leave.
Firefighters have contained the 300-acre brush fire at the Army’s Makua Military Reservation.
The fire broke out around 2 p.m. Saturday roughly a quarter-mile north of the Makua reservation entry gate off Farrington Highway. It blackened a 1-mile area along the northern ridge line.
Fifty firefighters, including personnel from the Honolulu Fire Department, the Federal Fire Department, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Army, battled the blaze throughout the day. Navy and Marine units also were involved.
Five helicopters were deployed.
Dennis Drake, director of public affairs for the U.S. Army Garrison, Hawaii, said a few hot spots remained yesterday, but the fire was expected to die down overnight as wind subsided and humidity rose.
Drake said fire officials will reassess the situation this morning.
Officials say there were no military exercises under way at Makua when the fire broke out.
