BRIEF: Brush Fires Slow Traffic on Haleakala Hwy

Motorists experienced a delay in travel during the Monday afternoon commute on the Haleakala Highway because of a brush fire reported near the Keahua Junction. Courtesy photo, Kaniala Masoe.

(Update: 7:20 p.m. 7/30/12)

Firefighters on Maui responded to two separate brush fires located along the Haleakala Highway, adjacent to the Keahua Junction at around 2:55 on Monday afternoon, July 30, 2012.

The mauka fire, located at the intersection, burned about a quarter-acre of brush on the shoulder of the road, fire officials said.

The makai fire was located about a half-mile from the mauka blaze, and burned about a half-acre of brush on the shoulder of the road.

Both fires were brought under control at around 3:30 p.m.

Crews from HC&S conducted mop-up operations and worked to put out remaining hot-spots.

A fire inspector from the Maui Fire Department, and an arson investigator from the Maui Police Department were dispatched to the scene. The cause of the fire could not be determined, and no damages were reported.

Among those responding to the scene were Engine 5, Engine 10, and Tanker 10.

(Update: 3:45 p.m. 7/30/12)

There is a brush fire that is slowing traffic along the Haleakala Highway.

The fire was reported near the Keahua Junction mauka of Firebreak Road.

The highway remains open, but traffic is slowed.