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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, September 7, 2009

Firefighters contain Waiawa brushfire


Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Firefighters sprayed water on a burned portion of land near H-2 Freeway and Ka Uka Boulevard Saturday afternoon.

NORMAN SHAPIRO | The Honolulu Advertiser

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The Waiawa brushfire, which forced the closure of H-2 Freeway northbound on Saturday, was contained yesterday after scorching more than 250 acres.

Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Terry Seelig said firefighters will continue to monitor the blaze over the next few days because of smoldering hot spots that could flare up with strong winds.

The fire was declared contained at 4 p.m. yesterday.

It began about 12:35 p.m. Saturday, forcing the closure of north-bound lanes H-2 Freeway for five hours.

By 8 p.m. Saturday, though, the fire had been partially contained.

Firefighters returned to the blaze about 7:20 a.m. yesterday and worked through the day to keep flames from spreading.

The fire threatened no structures yesterday, and no injuries were reported.

The fire department fought the blaze using eight engines, four water tankers and a helicopter and about 50 firefighters.

The departments of Parks and Recreation, Facility Maintenance and Emergency Management also helped with the fire, Seelig said.

The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.