Olowalu and Spreckelsville fires 90% contained

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Update 5:40 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2010)

Firefighters gained 90% containment on both the Olowalu and Spreckelsville brush fires on Maui this afternoon (Friday, May 7, 2010).

The West Maui fire that began Monday afternoon in Ukumehame and later progressed to Olowalu, burned a total of 1,100 acres.  Fire crews will continue to monitor the burn area overnight.  County officials say strong winds are still a factor.

The Spreckelsville brush fire that was first reported at around 10 p.m. Thursday night, burned 3 acres of land in an area populated by homeless encampments.  The burn site is also near Kahului Airport and about a half mile away from a residential subdivision.  As a precautionary measure, an additional firebreak was put in place to protect the nearby homes.  Firefighters from the State Airports Division and the County were faced with areas of thick hau bushes and windy conditions of 30-35 mph.  The department’s Air One helicopter provided support this morning.

There were no injuries reported in either fire.  Both incidents remain under investigation.

(Supporting information courtesy County of Maui)