Monsarrat Avenue opened as firefighters battle brush fire on Diamond Head
BRUCE ASATO / BASATO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Flames spread from a brushfire on the northern slope of Diamond Head producing a lot of smoke visible for miles around the area today.
COURTESY ANYA PEREZ
A brush fire on the slopes of Diamond Head could be seen throughout East Oahu.
COURTESY SARA LIN
A brush fire on Diamond Head appeared to be crossing over the ridge.
COURTESY KARL F. VORWERK
A woman watches as a brush fire spreads on the slopes of Diamond Head this afternoon.
A rubbish fire ignited a two-acre brush fire late today on the slopes of Diamond Head, Honolulu firefighters said.
The fire began just before 5 p.m. near the tunnel to Diamond Head crater, and strong winds drove the flames quickly up the outer slope of the mountain, said Honolulu Fire Capt. David Jenkins.
Thirty-seven firefighters in 12 fire companies and a fire helicopter brought the fire under control by 6:44 p.m. Firefighters also safeguarded sensitive communication equipment within the crater, but no buildings were threatened or damaged.
Police opened Monsarrat Avenue from Trousseau to Makapuu streets after closing it as firefighters battled the blaze.
Firefighters climbed the slopes to get to the flames, and helicopters could be seen flying to fire to drop water.
Jenkins said the brush was ignited by burning rubbish. What sparked the rubbish fire was undetermined.
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4 responses to “Monsarrat Avenue opened as firefighters battle brush fire on Diamond Head”
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I believe there was a prior report of a homeless encampment in the surrounding area. I don’t believe the tunnel entry way is close to any residential homes and may be government property. Relatively dry in the area and luckily it was controlled…thanks to HFD.
Homeless problem most likely cause in that area.
those slops have a lot of bee hives, I wonder how many bees were killed.
also that’s right above where the new KCC cooking school is supposed to be.
I think they already started construction.
Could be a discarded cigarette.