UPDATE: Kīhei Brush Fires Burn 2.5 Acres

Fire located along the Piʻilani Hwy in South Maui, April 16, 2014. Photo by Mark Takahama.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 8:32 p.m. 4/16/14)

Maui firefighters returned to the scene of a brush fire reported Wednesday afternoon, April 16, to find a separate brush fire in the same vicinity, but further to the south, fire officials said.

The initial fire was reported at 12:46 p.m., and burned a total of about two acres on the south side of Kaʻonoʻulu Street, below the Piʻilani Highway before being extinguished at 5:10 p.m., according to department reports.

Crews were called back to the scene at around 5:20 p.m. and found another brush fire burning about a half acre of brush further to the south, according to Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

According to Mainaga, the cause of both fires was undetermined after investigation, but the second fire was likely caused by a spot fire from the previous blaze.

No damages or injuries were reported, and the second fire was extinguished by 7:10 p.m.

Fire located along the Piʻilani Hwy in South Maui, April 16, 2014. Photo courtesy David Schoonover.

(Update: 2:42 p.m. 4/16/14)

Fire crews continue mop up operations at the scene of a brush fire first reported at 12:46 p.m. on the south side of Kaʻonoʻulu Street, below the Piʻilani Highway.

Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga said the blaze was called 75% contained at 2:10 p.m., and had burned approximately two acres.

Crews responding to the scene include Engine Companies from Kīhei, Wailea and Kahului; Tanker-14 from Wailea, Tanker-10 from Kahului; and Air-1, according to department reports.

(Posted: 12:57 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2014)

Crews from the Maui Fire Department are battling a brush fire along the Piʻilani Highway in South Maui that is near Kaʻonoʻulu Street on the makai side of the highway.

The incident was resulting in backed up traffic in the southbound direction according to initial reports.

Our crew on scene tells us the Maui Fire Department’s Air-1 helicopter is conducting water drops, but that the area is windy.

Motorists are asked to drive with caution and expect temporary delays.

All roads remained open at last report.

Fire located along the Piʻilani Hwy in South Maui, April 16, 2014. Photo courtesy David Schoonover.

Fire located along the Piʻilani Hwy in South Maui, April 16, 2014. Photo by Charly Espina-Takahama.