HONOLULU (KHON2) — FEMA’s Region 9 Administrator authorized federal funds to be used to assist local officials in their combat against an ongoing brushfire in Paia, the agency announced on Sept. 24.
The brush fire was reported just before 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 23 near Holomua Road and Baldwin Avenue, and initially came with evacuation orders.
By 6 p.m. on the same day, evacuation orders were lifted.
Approximately 300 acres of land has burned, as of last word from officials.
The state of Hawaiʻi submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA on Sept. 23, as the fire had threatened approximately 364 homes and evacuated more than 1,670 people.
Through a Fire Management Assistance Grant, the federal government could provide up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs, working to assist in fighting fires that could become major disasters.
For more information on the grant, visit FEMA’s website.