Mililani Mauka wildfire 90% contained with rain on the way
UPDATE: 5:20 p.m.
The Honolulu Fire Department has suspended firefighting efforts for the wildland fire above Mililani Mauka for the day due to impending darkness.
“The fire has not increased in size since yesterday morning and is now 90% contained and approximately 1,350 acres,” HFD officials said in a news release. “Water drops continued to be successful and ground crews made substantial progress in extinguishing hot spots along the perimeter. An additional ground crew was inserted via helicopter into the southeast portion of the involved area to continue mitigation efforts.”
HFD’s drone team will conduct a fire watch at sundown, followed by an air reconnaissance at 7 a.m. Tuesday.
HFD said it expects favorable weather conditions for firefighting to continue with the National Weather Service predicting a 90% chance of rain overnight and a 60% chance of rain throughout Tuesday for the fire area.
No structures or homes have been threatened over the eight days of the remote wildfire.
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A red flag warning, which was issued Saturday, has been canceled for all islands.
EARLIER COVERAGE
Honolulu firefighters resumed their battle at 9:37 a.m. today against the ongoing wildland fire above Mililani Mauka, which continues burning for an eighth day.
The fire has now consumed about 1,350 acres of land in a remote, mountainous area with steep terrain on both private lands and the Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge. HFD said it remains 85% contained.
HFD said the most active fire is located on the southeast side, approximately four miles from the Mililani Mauka community.
Three aircraft have been deployed today — one U.S. Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter, one U.S. Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook aircraft, and one U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services contracted helicopter.
The state Department of Forestry and Wildlife continues to assist with staff and personnel.
A red flag warning for Oahu has been canceled but still remains in effect for the leeward areas of Maui County and Hawaii island until 6 p.m. today.
Crews continue to extinguish hot spots along the perimeter of the involved area, from west to east, and will continue to ensure that there is no threat of further fire spread.
The Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge is home to some of the last remaining intact, native habitats on the island for at least 22 federally listed species, including native plants.
There have been no reports of injuries, HFD said. No structures or homes have been threatened and no evacuations have been ordered at this time.
Oahu residents are encouraged to make and practice a family evacuation plan and have an emergency supply kit assembled and ready to go.