LUMAHA‘I — Rescue 3 and Air 1 responded to a report about a tree fire in Lumaha‘i Valley Sunday morning, cutting its path and preventing it from spreading. Hobbs Aviation called in the blaze and dispatch notified Rescue 3 at
LUMAHA‘I — Rescue 3 and Air 1 responded to a report about a tree fire in Lumaha‘i Valley Sunday morning, cutting its path and preventing it from spreading.
Hobbs Aviation called in the blaze and dispatch notified Rescue 3 at approximately 9:15 a.m., a county news release states. Rescue 3 was dropped on a ridge in Lumaha‘i Valley close to where the fire was reported roughly 30 minutes later.
The Rescue 3 crew hiked to the location of the fire and found smoldering roots and leaves covering an area of 10 feet by 10 feet. Using two Pulaskis, rescue tools similar to a pickaxe, they cut a fire line and extinguished the fire with two five-gallon backpack water pumps, the release states.
The fire was deemed under control at 9:50 a.m. and fully extinguished soon thereafter. Rescue 3 was picked up by Air 1 and returned to Lihu‘e Airport at approximately 11:26 a.m., the release states.
Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources were notified that the fire was on state land. They remained on standby in the event their assistance was needed.
