Burned area tops 8,000 acres

Brushfire Update — Wednesday 9 a.m.

The isolated columns of smoke dotting the mountains behind Kaunakakai are becoming less and less visible. 

Today the National Guard sent to Chinook helicopters to the island to help stamp out any remaining hot spots that have been flaring up. The Chinooks refuel on Oahu and are monitoring the area near Kawela Three. 

Fire fighters say that the blaze in now firmly under control and almost pau. Their main job now is to mop up hot spots and embers that have the potential to start again. 

At last report – late Tuesday night – roughly 8,000 acres of land have been scarred by the fire. Hawaii's Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona and Major General Robert Lee got a first hand look at the scorched terrain when they toured the island on helicopter Tuesday afternoon.

All schools opened once again Tuesday morning and the fire continues to move further away from any houses. 

 Below is a video of one the chinooks, operated by the National Guard, that were on Molokai helping to fight the fire on Wednesday.