Maui Fire Department: Kīhei Brushfires ‘Suspicious’

Maui brush fires under Investigation. Maui Now graphic.

By Maui Now Staff

The County of Maui Department of Fire & Public Safety has issued a statement about two “suspicious” brush fires that occurred today in Kīhei.

At 2:01 p.m today, firefighters responded to a brushfire near Moi Place and Piʻilani Highway. Kīhei firefighters arrived on scene at 2:10 p.m. and worked to contain a brushfire between Kaiola Place and Piʻilani Highway. Moi Place bordered the fire area to the south.

Five fire units from Kīhei, Wailea and Kahului are on scene mopping up a 2- to 3-acre brushfire.

Piʻilani Highway was closed briefly while crews battled the fire.

The fire’s cause is still under investigation.

At 4:05 p.m., emergency dispatchers received a call about another brushfire about 150 yards south of where crews were mopping up at the first fire.

Firefighters disconnected fire hoses at the scene of the first fire and drove down the street to douse the second fire, which was approximately 40 feet wide and 400 feet long.

The fire was near several homes, so crews worked quickly to contain it about 15 minutes later.

Firefighters are currently mopping up the second brushfire.

The cause of this fire is also under investigation, but appears “suspicious,” fire department officials said.

Because of the considerable distance between the two fires, Maui Fire Department officials do not think the second fire was started by an ember from the first fire.

The southbound lane of Piʻilani Highway has been closed for firefighter safety while they are working on the highway shoulder.

It is unknown if fireworks played a roll in both fires.

More information will follow as it becomes available.