Remote brush fire above Nanakuli challenges fire crews

Firefighters on Sunday were trying to put out a brush fire on a ridge near the end of Palehua Road in Nanakuli.

The Honolulu Fire Department had to pull its helicopter from the search near Makaleha Beach Park on the North Shore for an 18-year-old missing kayaker to attend to the fire. However, before the helicopter made it to the brush fire it was re-routed again to assist three female hikers in distress on the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail, Capt. Carlton Yamada said. 

None of the women was reported to be injured.

Firefighters had a difficult time reaching the fire and asked staff from nearby Camp Timberline and Monsanto to help them gain access to the blaze, Yamada said. 

The fire was first reported around 12:54 p.m. Sunday and about an hour later responders were still struggling with how to put it out.

It is unknown at this time how big the fire is, but Yamada said it does not appear to be threatening any structures.