Firefighters gain ground on Mililani Mauka fire, now 70% contained
Nov. 3—UPDATE: 4:35 p.m.
Honolulu Fire Department officials reported progress in their battle against the Mililani Mauka wildfire which has burned for five days in a remote area far from communities.
At a 4 p.m. news conference, HFD Chief Sheldon Hao said the fire was 70% contained, up from 50% this morning, and the total amount of burned land remained unchanged at 1,100 acres.
Hao said HFD and its state and federal firefighting partners have benefited from favorable wind conditions that pushed the fire back in the direction of previously burned areas.
Those favorable conditions should continue Saturday, before stronger tradewinds return to the islands Sunday and Monday, he said.
The National Weather Service, meanwhile, has issued a fire weather watch, effective Sunday morning through Monday afternoon for all leeward areas in Hawaii and for Central Oahu.
Hao also said that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has sent "hot-shot" teams from the continental U.S. who will work to create firebreaks near Mililani Mauka as a precaution. He said about 30 personnel were on the ground today working on the effort.
State Health Department officials said that six air quality monitors were stationed in Mililani and Ewa, and have been showing mostly good quality, with some readings in the moderate range.
Officials continue to recommend that anyone affected by the smoke should shelter in place or in a place with air conditioning, while anyone experiencing difficulty breathing should call 911.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
The wildfire above Mililani Mauka was about 50% contained today and did not significantly spread overnight, Honolulu Fire Department officials said today.
HFD, state and federal crews resumed firefighting efforts after sunrise today as the fire continues to burn in a remote, mountainous area with steep, dangerous terrain, HFD said.
The fire remained at about 1,100 acres in size, officials said, with the main portion of the active fire moving southeast, roughly four miles from Mililani Mauka.
Today is the fifth day for the remote blaze that has not threatened life or property but has sent smoke and ash to nearby communities in West and Central Oahu.
HFD said there are two HFD helicopters, one U.S. Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter, one U.S. Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook aircraft, one U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter, one U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook aircraft and one U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-contracted helicopter.
HFD and FWS investigators are investigating the cause of the fire.
A contingency plan is in place if a change in the weather pattern affects fire behavior, officials said, as Oahu's weekend forecast calls for stronger tradewinds. FWS ground crews are scheduled to arrive from the mainland today and begin work on Saturday in the only accessible areas closest to Mililani Mauka, according to HFD.
The Hawaii Department of Health's Clean Air Branch is monitoring air quality monitoring, and anyone with air quality inquiries can call the branch at (808) 586-4200.
No evacuations have been ordered over the five days that the wildfire has burned.
Anyone affected by the smoke should shelter in place or in a place with air conditioning, while anyone experiencing difficulty breathing should call 911, HFD officials said.
