Mechanical fire burns 3 acres in Kula, Maui

A brush fire in Kula Thursday afternoon was caused by a piece of machinery that overheated, according to Maui authorities. The fire was first reported just before 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 13501 Haleakala Highway in the Kula area of Upcountry, Maui.

County officials say the blaze was accidentally sparked by an overheating digging machine that ignited surrounding brush. The fire burned three acres and caused an estimated $15,000 in damage to the machine when flames from the burning drill made contact with grass.

Fire crews from Makawao, Kula, and Kahului responded to the blaze, and had it extinguished by 6:30 p.m. No injuries were reported.

(Posted: 12:30 a.m. 7/9/10)