Mauna Lani brush fire contained at 52 acres

KAILUA-KONA — A brush fire sparked in South Kohala near the Mauna Lani resort earlier this week has been contained after consuming 52 acres of land, officials confirmed Friday.

Hawaii Fire Department responded to the Mauna Lani brush fire 10:25 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Hoohaina Street just north of the intersection of North Kaniku Drive. According to fire officials, trade winds of 30 mph kept the flames active, burning through brush and kiawe forest.

Acting Battalion Chief Michael Grace said the blaze was contained Thursday, however the area is still smoldering and crews remain on scene to stamp out hot spots.

Grace added helicopter water drops were done Thursday, Friday and he suspects they’ll do it again today.

“We have crews there every day until it’s out,” he said.

It is still unknown what ignited the fire.