Diamond Head, Aiea blazes close lanes and burn 8 acres

About 40 firefighters battled a brush fire that threatened homes and climbed the slopes of Diamond Head on Saturday, putting it out before any property was damaged, a fire spokesman said.

"They did a great job," Ching said. "The flames came within 20 feet of homes on Wauke Street. The homes were threatened but there was no damage and no injures."

Six acres were scorched by the blaze, which broke out near the former Cannon Club, according to Fire Department spokesman Kendall Ching.

Nine companies, a tanker truck and a battalion chief were sent to the blaze, Ching said. The first alarm came at 4:01 p.m. and the fire was contained by 5:03 p.m. It was extinguished at 6 p.m. The fire did not reach the ridgeline of the crater, and Diamond Head trail was not affected.

Fire engines went to Diamond Head Road and Monsarrat Avenue, near the intersection with Trousseau Street, and to Kapiolani Community College.

Earlier in the day, police blocked three westbound lanes of the H-1 freeway to allow firefighters to battle another brush fire near Pearl Country Club. There were no injuries or property damage, Ching said.

Firefighters responded to the fire at about 3 p.m. near the Kaamilo Street overpass and brought it under control at 3:48 p.m., he said. Two acres were burned before the fire was put out at 4:15 p.m.

"Because it was on the side of the freeway, water supply was an issue," Ching said. "We were fortunate to be able to get water from the golf course nearby."

Five companies were dispatched, along with a battalion chief, Ching said.