Molokai fire destroys
storage structure
WAILUKU >> Firefighters were battling a nagging brush blaze in Central Molokai that had burned an estimated 1,600 acres and destroyed a structure used by a Hawaiian homestead family.
The family was building a home and had stored lumber and furniture in the structure, a resident said.
Acting Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Shaffer said yesterday that no one was injured in the fire, but the damage to the structure on Hawaiian homestead land was estimated at $10,000.
The fire has been burning since Tuesday when it was reported at 1:37 p.m.
Maui firefighters and several helicopters have been helping Molokai firefighters in fighting the blaze, which has burned a substantial amount of dry pasture on Hawaiian homestead land in Hoolehua southwest of the Kualapuu reservoir.
"The thing is whipping up and flaring," said Molokai firefighter Juanito Dudoit.
Dudoit said the fire had spread and was burning along Maunaloa and Farrington highways.
Hoolehua residents John and Debbie Kelly said the fire came within 50 feet of their house and burned a corral Tuesday, killing a calf.
John Kelly said neighbors helped him save his house from the fire.
"It's fortunate to have good neighbors and family to help me," he said.
Kelly said most of his 36 acres of pasture has been burned.
