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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, May 6, 2010

Brushfire 60% contained; firefighters remain watchful

Advertiser Staff

A West Maui brushfire that has burned 1,100 acres since Monday in the Olowalu area is 60 percent contained and firefighters continued monitoring the area last night, Maui County said yesterday.

The county said the area of the fire is closed to the public for safety reasons.

Mayor Charmaine Tavares yesterday thanked those who have assisted firefighters, police officers and emergency management personnel, such as the Salvation Army and people who donated food to emergency personnel.

Tavares also thanked Goodfellow Brothers, Kiewit Pacific and West Maui Land Co. for providing water tankers, bulldozers and other heavy equipment to assist with fighting the fire.

Yesterday, one firefighter was taken to a hospital after experiencing elevated vital signs. The firefighter was released shortly after.

Officials yesterday said the fire came within 25 feet of a home under construction. Firefighters worked to protect the structure from burning and prevent the fire from advancing further into the residential area.

No damage to structures were reported. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.