Waialua Wildfire

[infinitypro]

It's still out of control, the ranches are being threatened, some livestock is believed to have perished, and the wind is forcing school closures and a shelter to be set-up in Nanakuli.

As with our family and friends on the BI, our well wishes to the community of Waialua and those affected by this wildfire.

[tutusue]

Before Flossie became the threat that she did, I'd planned to go home to Makaha yesterday to finally get in some serious beach time! Then it became apparent that I was safer in a high rise in Waikiki rather than 2nd floor, oceanfront in Makaha. My condo is immediately next door to Waianae High which was closed shortly after noon today due to intense smoke thruout Makaha. The smoke is the reason for the Nanakuli shelter. Had I gone home I would've had to return to town today. No can handle the smoke!!! It appears it's difficult to see the ridge directly across the street. Major smoke.

Hurricane. Earthquake. Fire. Stop the world...I wanna get off! :rolleyes:

[cezanne]

I caught part of the news last night about the fire. I'm not sure if I heard it right but...5000 acres burned so far?

[tutusue]

[...]...5000 acres burned so far?
As of yesterday, yes. It's now 6700 (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Aug/15/br/br7968425031.html) acres.

[infinitypro]

It's ironic, the State was preparing for a hurricane, the Big Island woken up by an earthquake, then bracing for a Tsunami, everyone praying for none of this to happen, and all Waialua needed was some rain.

[SusieMisajon]

Can anyone tell me if Crowbar Ranch has burned?

[infinitypro]

Can anyone tell me if Crowbar Ranch has burned?

No ranches have burned, well that have been reported, however a local farm sustained damage to their banana, papaya, and avocado crops. This is even more unfortunate since they were the first farm selected to supply the upcoming Whole Foods store with their produce.

One of the ranchers interviewed was able to rescue his livestock, and was quite choked up when describing them being trapped on the mountain.

As of the latest reading, the local papers are reporting that over 50% has been contained, but I can only imagine how this will effect the Waialua community as a whole.

And as a sidenote, just before the fire broke out I received an email at work about our Governor issuing water conservation efforts.

[Ron Whitfield]

It's finally all but 100% out.
Painful to see the smoke cascading over Mt. Kaala towards the folk's out Waianae side for a whole week, but sure am glad the winds kept it and even more fire damge all away from us in Waialua.

It was however, an impressive sight at night, watching the many fingers of fire along the furrows of the mountain sides.

Thru it all, I never heard any mention of the enormous risks and efforts of the firefighters on the ground and the many choppers with daring crews making endless rounds daily. What a work-out! Thank you!

[LikaNui]

Thru it all, I never heard any mention of the enormous risks and efforts of the firefighters on the ground and the many choppers with daring crews making endless rounds daily. Dunno how you missed it, but I heard lots of mentions on the various TV news programs and read many comments about it in the various local newspapers. Matter of fact, KITV had a long report just tonight about the helicopter crews and how they do the water pickups and drops.
So there was lots of coverage, but I agree with you that firecrews -- and all emergency responders -- deserve much gratitude, year round.