KAILUA-KONA — Fire officials continued Tuesday to douse hot spots within a 393-acre brush fire that broke out at about noon Monday near Waikii Ranch.
KAILUA-KONA — Fire officials continued Tuesday to douse hot spots within a 393-acre brush fire that broke out at about noon Monday near Waikii Ranch.
Pohakuloa Training Area Fire Chief Eric Moller said the blaze, located within the Keamuku Maneuver Area, was about 80 percent contained as of Tuesday morning. It was not growing in size, and firefighters were working to extinguish flare-ups and hot spots within the burn area. Crews also were working to complete a firebreak around the blaze, he added.
A Hawaii Fire Department battalion chief estimated the fire at about 500 acres Monday evening. The Army later estimated it at about 400 acres Tuesday afternoon.
The fire did not grow overnight, Moller said, explaining Army officials were unable to get a good estimate on the fire’s size because of darkness Monday night.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, he said. No buildings or structures were damaged and no injuries reported.
“Three fire units have remained to monitor the area,” Diane Ford, Waikii Ranch administrative assistant, wrote in an email. “They are catching hot spots and will be pushing a firebreak around the perimeter of the area. Our thanks to all of those who helped by reporting, extinguishing and monitoring this outbreak.”
Email Chelsea Jensen at cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com.