Mililani Mauka fire grows to 700 acres
COURTESY DLNR
Helicopters continue water drops to douse the wildland fire above Mililani Mauka.
COURTESY CYNTHIA MCARTHUR
Winds were light around sunrise Tuesday in lower Mililani.
COURTESY CYNTHIA MCARTHUR
The glow of a wildfire above Mililani Mauka can be seen from lower Mililani Mauka, Monday.
UPDATE:
The Honolulu Fire Department said the wildland fire above Mililani Mauka was about 700 acres and 30% contained Tuesday night.
HFD will suspend operations at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday as the fire continues to burn in a remote, mountainous area inaccessible to ground units. The main portion of the fire continues to move east on the ridge above Waikakalaua Stream.
HFD said its drone team conducted a fire watch starting at sundown. Another air reconnaissance is planned at 7 a.m. Wednesday.
The Hawaii National Guard supported fire suppression efforts Tuesday with a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. The crew made 25 drops and flew a total of 7.6 flight hours while assisting the Honolulu Fire Department with the Mililani Mauka fire. The Guardsmen dropped about 45,000 gallons of water today and will support HFD and DEM tomorrow.
Anyone who may be affected by the smoke should shelter in place or a place with air conditioning, HFD said. Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing should call 911 immediately.
1 p.m.
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources says the fire above Mililani Mauka is now estimated to be about 400 acres.
During a flyover, a manager from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife observed the fire burning in heavy timber and through native vegetation, including ohia and koa trees.
Helicopters continue to conduct water drops to douse the flames, DLNR said in a news release, with tens of thousands of gallons of water. The fire is not currently impacting state lands.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
The Honolulu Fire Department at 7:13 a.m. Tuesday resumed efforts to suppress the wildland fire above Mililani Mauka after suspending operations Monday night.
The fire — in a remote, mountainous area inaccessible to ground units — is now about 300 acres, and 40% contained, HFD said. On Monday night, the fire was at about 160 acres and 35% contained.
The main portion of the fire continues to move east on the ridge above Waikakalaua Stream.
Currently, several agencies are engaged, with two HFD helicopters, one U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter, one state Division of Forestry and Wildlife helicopter and one U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook aircraft deployed. DOFAW crews are at the scene.
There are no reports of any injuries, and no structures or homes are threatened at this time, HFD said. No evacuations have been ordered.
HFD recommends anyone who may be affected by the smoke shelter in place or at a place with air conditioning. Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing should call 911 immediately.
