Ka‘u brush fire contained at 3,500 acres

The Hawaii Fire Department reported late Monday that a 3,500-acre brush fire in Ka‘u was contained.

Firefighters continue to monitor hot spots within the burn area in the Kaalualu Bay area, however.

The fire, which broke out Saturday afternoon, consumed about 5.4 square miles of open grassland with scattered kiawe treees between the Kaalualu Bay area and Green Sands Beach (Papakolea) areas, according to the fire department.

Firefighters were able to save two outbuilding structures and rescued dozens of livestock from the flames. Between 12 and 15 cattle and 20 painted horses were saved when firefighters cut paddocks.