By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

Firefighters answered an 8:44 a.m. alarm Sunday (June 16) due to the sight of smoke coming from Waimanu Valley.

From the Waipio Valley Lookout firefighters could see a white plume of smoke coming from Waimanu Valley. Chopper One was deployed to do aerial reconnaissance and discovered a two acre brushfire burning in the forest canopy near the valley’s hiking trail.

Firefighters were airlifted into the fire area to prevent hikers from approaching the danger area and fight the fire on the ground. Chopper One performed water drops and in the afternoon Department of Forestry and Wildlife crews were inserted to contain the fire.

DOFAW crews will continue firefighting operations at first light Monday. The trail has been re-opened to hikers. The cause of the fire is under investigation.