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DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release LINDA LINGLE GOVERNOR _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ALLAN A. SMITH, INTERIM CHAIRPERSON
Phone: (808) 587-0401
Fax: (808) 587-0390
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For Immediate Release:
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KAHULUI -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) this morning was able to contain a fire within the Kula Forest Reserve, located approximately a half mile before the Polipoli Springs state park entrance. DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife had 14 firefighters on location, continuing to search for and extinguish remaining hot spots in the containment area today, aided by 1 engine and 2 water tenders. They expect to have the fire controlled by the end of today. Eight acres were burned. “Current upper leeward Haleakala weather conditions are resulting in rapid drying of forest materials, which may be contributing to fire starts,” said John Cumming, DLNR Maui Forestry branch chief. “This is why the Kula Forest Reserve will remain closed for a month, in the interest of public safety,” he said. The Waipoli/Kula Forest Reserve access road is now closed until further notice. DLNR’s Division of State Parks will cancel permits for the Polipoli Springs state recreation area and cabin up to the end of August. The fire was first reported about 2:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon to the Maui County Fire Department by Kahului Airport control tower officials. The start of the fire was about 20 feet off Kula Forest Reserve access road. The fire smoldered in fallen pine needles from trees that burned in the January fire. Yesterday, DLNR conservation enforcement officers evacuated four persons who were staying at the Polipoli park cabin, and were evacuating other area users as well. No injuries have been reported. No structures are threatened.
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