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O‘ahu fire: Huge blaze near Kunia prompts road closures and emergency response
A vegetation fire has broken out on O‘ahu, Hawaii, prompting the closure of Kunia Road between Anonui Street and Schofield Barracks Lyman Gate.
UPDATE: Kunia Road between Anonui Street and the Schofield Barracks Lyman Gate has been re-opened. The road was closed on Saturday morning after a vegetation fire broke out in O‘ahu.
ORIGINAL STORY: A vegetation fire has broken out in O‘ahu, Hawaii, prompting the closure of Kunia Road between Anonui Street and Schofield Barracks Lyman Gate, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation in a post on X. Smoke and flames are visible in the area, and air support has been deployed to assist in firefighting efforts. At this time, no evacuation warnings have been issued.
Kunia Road Fire
A separate wildfire, known as the Kunia Road Fire, also continues to burn nearby. The blaze ignited on Friday and has grown to approximately 413.6 acres, based on perimeter data uploaded to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
According to a statement from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is coordinating with the Honolulu Fire Department and the Hawai‘i National Guard to contain the fire, which is burning on both private land and within areas of the Honouliuli Forest Reserve in West O‘ahu.
“No injuries or structural damage have been reported, and there is currently no immediate threat to people or property. Still, residents, workers, and visitors in the area are advised to monitor local news for updates,” the statement said. “To bolster suppression efforts, the state is deploying 30 additional DOFAW firefighters from across the islands. Crews are using chainsaws and hand tools to cut fire lines, while helicopters drop water on the steep slopes.”
DOFAW Administrator David Smith emphasized the environmental risks in the area.
“Honouliuli is home to many endangered plants and animals and is an important watershed for the Wai‘anae mountains. It is vital that we stop this fire and minimize damage to protect these high-value resources,” he said in the statement.
