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Posted: Friday, June 22nd, 2012 8:44 AM HST

Tide turns in Pahala wildfire fight

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

A wildfire that broke out Monday makai of Highway 11 in Pahala is being held in check after scorching more than 5,200 acres. Batallion Chief Warren Sumida told KPUA News that the fire is about 60 percent contained and that efforts are focused on holding the gains they’ve made the past couple of days. “We are still fighting hot spots and flare-ups along the edge of the fire break,” Sumida said. For now, we’re trying to keep those hot spots and flare-ups from passing over the break.” A second brush fire that also broke out Monday on Cane Haul Road along Ali`i Springs and Higashi Camp roads near Pahala remains 95 percent contained and has burned about 400 acres. Sumida said 19 Fire department personnel and National Park Service firefighters spent the day on scene Thursday assisted by water bucket drops from the County helicopter. No structures or lives have been threatened or destroyed by the fires. Their cause remains under investigation. Meanwhile, 15 long-term care patients at Ka`u Hospital displaced by the fires spent their first full day back at the facility Thursday.