Hokukano Ranch fire contained at 480 acres

KAILUA-KONA — A brush fire ignited by lightning Sunday afternoon in a remote area of Hokukano Ranch is contained.

Crews were monitoring the fire Wednesday, however, it remained contained at 480 acres, according to Hawaii Fire Department officials.

Firefighters responded Sunday afternoon to the scene 7 miles up Hokukano Ranch Road to find two moderate-sized brush fires burning about 50 acres in a very remote area with no radio or phone coverage. The department noted that someone witnessed lightning strikes in the area around the time the fire started.

Light wind in the area caused the fires to spread and the eventually merged into one fire, according to the department. Because of the remote nature of the area, firefighter had some difficulty accessing the area and containing the blaze, however, private landowners came quickly to assist with bulldozer and water operations.