Fire officials on Hawaii Island continued to fight and monitor three brush fires Wednesday they were battling in West Hawaii.
As of press time Wednesday, the fire that caused evacuations from Kohala Ranch, Kohala by the Sea, Kohala Estates, Kohala Waterfront and the North and South Fairways at Mauna Kea Beach Resort were still being quenched by fire personnel.
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However, there were no road closures and or active evacuations as of late Wednesday afternoon.
The evacuation shelters that were established at Hisaoka Gym in Kapaau and the Waimea Community Center in Waimea were closed at 8 p.m.
The fire in Waimea at Lalamilo burned 20 acres and was contained, with hot spots throughout the fire area. Crews continued to work on that fire and were monitoring hot spots.
The blaze in North Kohala off Akoni Pule burnt approximately 1,000 acres mainly surrounding the lower Kohala Ranch subdivision and along Akoni Pule on both sides. Last report, the fire there was 60% contained with no current active burning, but a lot of hot spots throughout.
Hapuna Beach and Spencer Beach Parks were closed on Wednesday.
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HFD reported the Mauna Kea Beach fire was estimated at around 500 acres. There were still areas of active burning and flare-ups occurring throughout. The resort was reopened Wednesday afternoon.
“So far today there hasn’t been any new significant fire activity, and we hope that continues, as long as wind conditions remain favorable. But if/when winds pick up, things can change. So we remain cautious and vigilant,” said Assistant Chief Darwin Okinaka.
HFD had the majority of crews concentrating on the Akoni Pule and Mauna Kea Beach fires.
“We will remain working at these fires throughout (Wednesday) and for the foreseeable future,” said Okinaka. “We just ask the public to remain vigilant, be prepared and most of all be safe. Don’t play with fire, it can be devastating as you can see.”
The fires were concerning for residents and businesses in North and South Kohala as they raged on.
Keegan Woods lives in Kohala Ranch and works at the Aloha Gas Station in Kawaihae. He said his family received evacuation orders Tuesday.
“The power was out when I woke up Tuesday and was still out when I got to work,” he said. “I wasn’t worried because we live on the upper side, but on my way to work I could see the flames.”
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He said there was a lot of smoke and dust from the winds, however as of Wednesday, it was diminished.
“I felt bad for the firefighters because they were working so hard to keep us safe,” he said.
Gunner Mench, owner of Harbor Gallery in Kawaihae, praised the efforts of the fire department.
“Our fire department does such a great job. Our volunteers are so important for our existence and safety,” he said. “HFD is incredible for the work they do and the dedication and interest in public safety.”
Mench said he started to feel threatened by the fire when evacuation orders were given in North Kohala.
“Even though the winds were heading away from us, I was afraid the wind direction could change,” he recounted. “our fire guys have to be flexible and knowledgeable in so many areas because we have 11 climate zones here. It makes it challenging for them, but they rise to the occasion.”
Two additional brush fires were reported Wednesday in Ka‘u but were quickly extinguished. One of them was suspicious in nature, and police initiated an arson investigation.
“As long as we have the red flag warning and potential for winds, anything can happen,” said Okinaka. “It’s just too dry out there. But I’m definitely hopeful that the conditions remain favorable for us.”
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