UPDATE: Truck Downs Power Lines Just Prior to Launiupoko Fire

By Wendy Osher

Launiupoko brush fire. August 22, 2011. Photo by Chuck Bergson.

A brush fire in Launiupoko on Monday afternoon burned an estimated two acres of brush.  The fire was located about a quarter mile above the highway and was first reported at 3:28 p.m.

The blaze originated near the scene of a truck accident off of Kai Hele Ku Road.  Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga said a passing landscaping truck drove off with its boom extended, taking down power lines, and flipping over.

It is unknown if sparks from the truck or the power lines caused the fire, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Responding to the scene were crews from Engines 3 and 11, Tanker 3, Ladder 3, Mini 11, and Air 1.

The brush fire was called under control at 6:24 p.m. and units wrapped up mop-up operations at 10:24 p.m.

Kai Hele Ku Road was closed due to the overturned truck and low hanging power lines. The road reopened at 9 p.m.  No injuries or evacuations occurred.  It is unknown the amount of damage or if a disruption to power occurred.