LIHU‘E — The wildfire that started more than a week ago and spread to 200 acres on state land in the Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve on Miloli‘i Ridge, six miles southwest of Koke‘e State Park, is 70 percent contained, according
LIHU‘E — The wildfire that started more than a week ago and spread to 200 acres on state land in the Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve on Miloli‘i Ridge, six miles southwest of Koke‘e State Park, is 70 percent contained, according to state officials.
State and county firefighters were able to put a fire break line around the entire 200-acre perimeter and are now monitoring and working on hot spots at the site, according to a press release from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. The fire broke out May 28 at approximately 2 p.m.
“Concentrated ground and air efforts and mild weather have helped fire crews turn the corner on this fire and conditions were looking very good this morning,” DLNR Chairperson William Aila Jr. said Monday. “We appreciate the sustained efforts of the Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel and equipment.”
State fire crews continued on-the-ground effort with 35 DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife personnel. More assistance came from a 14-member DOFAW incident management team providing logistical and plans support.
One private helicopter from Airborne Aviation was flying Monday in support of crews. Two DLNR enforcement officers are providing security detail for public safety as the Miloli‘i Ridge hiking trail remains closed.
Two state wildfire trucks with mobile water pump units were on the scene. KFD brought in a county Public Works water tender and two personnel to ensure a water source closer to the fire for air operations.
DLNR fire officials said Monday they hope to call the fire 100 percent contained by today.
To date, $200,000 has been expended on state firefighting costs, of which about $110,000 has been for helicopter air time, according to DLNR officials.
