A brush fire that began Thursday deep in a eucalyptus grove near Kaala Road has spread into nearby koa forests, officials said.

Honolulu Fire Department units first responded to reports of smoke in District 17, but the fire was inaccessible to vehicles or ground crews. Crews set up a night watch to monitor its progress.

By Friday morning, the blaze intensified, burning through eucalyptus and advancing into the koa forest reserve. Bulldozers were brought in to cut fire breaks and build access roads for firefighters and vehicles.

HFD, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife, National Park Service crews and volunteers remain on scene working to contain the fire. Officials said suppression operations and overnight monitoring will continue.

The

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