A wildfire is ongoing in West O‘ahu, and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife is working with the Honolulu Fire Department and Hawai‘i National Guard to respond. The fire has burned about 600 acres of agricultural and forest land, with 60% of it contained overall, but only 30% contained in the Honouliuli Forest Reserve due to difficult terrain, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The fire has not caused injuries or damage to buildings, and officials say there is no immediate danger to people in the area. Authorities are asking the public to stay updated through local news. The state has sent 30 extra Division of Forestry and Wildlife firefighters from other islands to help. Firefighters are creating fire lines with chainsaws and hand tools, while helicopters drop water on the fire on steep slopes, as reported by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
DOFAW Administrator David Smith said, "Honouliuli is home to many endangered plants and animals and is an important watershed for the Wai‘anae mountains," and "It is vital that we stop this fire and minimize damage to protect these high-value resources." Residents of O‘ahu may see smoke as forest materials burn. Division of Forestry and Wildlife is asking the public to help reduce wildfire risks by keeping campfires contained and fully extinguished, maintaining recreational equipment, avoiding parking on dry grass, using fireworks safely, and reporting any fires to 911, as stated by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
