Firefighters control brush fire in Makaha

Firefighters brought a brush fire in Makaha under control at 6:46 p.m. Sunday using hand tools.

The fire did not threaten any homes, a fire official said.

The fire was at the back of Makaha Valley, 500 yards up the ridge, fire Capt. Kevin Mokulehua said.
The fire personnel initially requested Air One, but the helicopter does not make water drops after sunset.

Due to the location, firefighters could not use water and had to employ brush beaters to control the fire, mainly by smothering it.

Six fire units and 17 personnel responded to the call at 6:25 p.m. Firefighters arrived at 6:29 p.m.

Firefighters tried to prevent the blaze from going further up the ridge, Mokulehua said.

Police also responded to the fire, which may have been intentionally set.