Press Release from County of Maui Mayor’s Office
Kaunakakai, Molokai – A fire first reported shortly after 12 noon on
Saturday, August 29, has entered its 3rd day.
40-plus County firefighters are joined by 28 wildland firefighters from
the State’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife to battle a fire that
has so far burned an estimated 7,200 acres. Four helicopters returned
this morning to assist firefighters with aerial water drops.
Fire officials report that the fire is burning in a westerly direction
and fire crews are dealing with gulches throughout the terrain.
Bulldozer activity remains heavy as equipment operators place fire break
lines to help prevent the fire from advancing.
Last night, an abandoned structure near Kalamaula was completely burned
as firefighters fought to save the home adjacent to the abandoned
building. The home was not damaged. A pig farm near Kalamaula was also
threatened by the fire but did not sustain damage and the livestock were
unharmed.
The County’s Cooke Memorial Swimming Pool is closed today while it is
being used as a water source for the helicopters.
A portion of the Maunaloa Highway was closed last night as fire crews
and equipment traveled through the area to keep the fire from
advancing.
Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at the Mitchell Pauole Community
Center yesterday to accommodate anyone displaced.
Aside from one firefighter who was treated for smoke inhalation on
Saturday, no injuries are reported.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
Filed under: News
