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Kona fire update from Chief Oliveira

UPDATED, 1:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8

Sen. Josh Green has asked Gov. Linda Lingle for state assistance as the Kealakekua fire is presenting health hazards.

Lingle has forwarded the request to her staff, the Department of Land and Natural Resources and state Civil Defense Director Major General Robert Lee.

MEDIA RELEASE

Good afternoon.

This is Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira of the Hawaii Fire Department with a brush fire update for Thursday January 7, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.

Hawaii Fire Department firefighters, along with personnel from various ranch and land owners continue fire fighting efforts on the brush fire in the Kealakekua mauka area of Kona. The fire continues to burn in an area at the approximately 4,000 foot elevation and poses no threat to property at this time.

As of yesterday afternoon, the fire has been contained and a secure perimeter established. Firefighters continue to extinguish those sections and areas of the fire that are accessible and are widening fire breaks to prevent a possible jump or escape.

Today’s operations included the continued use of 5 private bull dozers a 4,000 gallon water tanker, and 2 wildland brush trucks. Both county helicopters were also on scene providing water bucket and operational support. Fire fighting crews will remain on scene throughout the night and operations will continue tomorrow.

Smoke conditions continue to impact the Kona area and the department of health is monitoring the situation. A brush fire update will be broadcast daily at 7 a.m., noon, and 4 p.m. to ensure area residents are kept informed of the conditions and efforts being made.

Again the Hawaii Fire Department in partnership with other partner agencies and landowners continue to battle a large brush fire in the Kealakekua mauka area. The fire is contained and poses not threat to property, however, the smoke will continue to affect areas of Kona.

Thank you.

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