Brush fire at PTA

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A brush fire that started a week ago at Pohakuloa Training Area is being left to burn itself out, according to the base’s fire chief.

The fire is located in an impact area at the Army facility and could be easily seen this week from Saddle Road.

PTA Fire Chief Eric Moller said about 200 acres had been consumed but the fire was not a threat to Army or county infrastructure.

“It’s in an area that it can’t get out,” he said. “It’s totally surrounded by lava.”

Moller said it was ignited March 24 during a training exercise.

He said the possible presence of unexploded ordnance in the area is preventing crews from trying to extinguish it.

But it’s expected to soon run out of fuel and put itself out.