Crews battle Molokai brush fire (update)

KAUNAKAKAI -- Maui County firefighters fought a large brush fire into the night Saturday on the outskirts of Kaunakakai.

Up to 2,500 acres burned from a blaze first reported at noon near Kikipua Street mauka of the oceanfront town. Prevailing winds whipped the fire away from Kaunakakai.

One firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation, said Maui County spokeswoman Mahina Martin. No residences were being threatened, and the cause of the fire was still under investigation as of Friday evening.

Three helicopters dropped water on the fire throughout the day before being called off as night fell. Firefighters flown in from stations at Wailuku and Napili also joined crews from the Molokai fire stations of Kaunakakai, Hoolehua and Pukoo

County, state and privately-owned water tankers and heavy equipment were also on the scene to build fire breaks.

For more information, see Sunday's Maui News.

Firefighters from Wailuku and Napili traveled to Molokai Saturday to help battle a brush fire above Kaunakakai.

The county said no residences were threatened and there had been no reported injuries as of Saturday afternoon.

The fire was first reported at 12:05 p.m. and had burned an estimated 100 acres by late Saturday afternoon, Maui County reported.

Three helicopters conducting water drops were assisting crews from Molokai fire stations at Kaunakakai, Hoolehua and Pukoo.

The cause of the fire was unknown.