PHOTOS: Kaupō Fire 100% Contained

Kaupō fire, courtesy Kimberley Mullen Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety. (July 13-18, 2013)

By Wendy Osher

(Update: Thurs. 6 a.m. 7/18/13)

Fire crews and one helicopter remained on scene yesterday conducting mop up operations at the Kaupō fire.

The fire was 100% contained, but not called extinguished, fire officials said.

Crews were expected return this morning to continue mopping up.

Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga said flare ups were still occurring within the perimeter as of Wednesday evening.

The initial fire was reported on Saturday and burned 65-acres. It was extinguished at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, but rekindled on Monday afternoon, burning an additional 25 acres.

Kaupō fire, courtesy Kimberley Mullen Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety. (July 13-18, 2013)

(Update: 8 p.m. Tues. 7/16/13)

Fire crews will return for mop-up operations today after gaining 100% containment on a fire in Kaupō at around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2013.

The 25-acre burn area was a re-kindle of the larger 65-acre fire first reported on Saturday on the ʻUlupalakua side of Manawainui Gulch.

Fire officials say the weekend fire was fireworks-related and likely intentionally set.

The re-kindle was reported at around 3 p.m. on Monday, July 15. On Tuesday, fire crews utilized two helicopters for water drops near the 2,000-foot elevation.

Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga said crews were released last night, but will return today to continue mop up, with one crew remaining to do periodic checks on the fire ground.

Kaupō fire, courtesy Kimberley Mullen Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety. (July 13-18, 2013)

Kaupō fire. Photo courtesy Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety.