UPDATE: Fire Engulfs Kahakuloa Home, Causes $550,000 Damage

Photo Credit: John Kenolio. 5.24.15.

By Maui Now Staff

(Update: 5/25/15)

A structure fire that occurred early Sunday evening in Kahakuloa, caused an estimated $550,000 in damages to the home, and $5,000 to its contents.

The home, located near mile marker 8 on the mauka side of the Kahekili Highway, was almost entirely destroyed and vacant at the time, said Maui Fire Services Officer Edward Taomoto.

Fire crews from Wailuku, Kahului and Wailea responded to the scene at 5:38 p.m. with three fire companies, three water tankers and a battalion chief.

Wailuku firefighters arrived about 20 minutes later and reported “defensive fire conditions,” indicating that a vast majority of the home was on fire. The fire was brought under control by around 6:40 p.m. and extinguished at 11:30 p.m., according to department reports.

A narrow driveway and overgrown foliage made it difficult for crews fighting the fire to make access, said FSO Taomoto.

According to Taomoto, The area has no fire hydrants, so the fire department helicopter was brought in to provide water drops on the home, and deal with condition in the event that flames spread to nearby brush.

Fire investigators were unable to determine the cause of the fire.

(Posted: 5/24/15)

Fire crews responded to a structure fire in Kahakuloaon Maui at around 5:37 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2015.

The fire was located at a home near Mile 8 of the Kahekili Highway.

As of 7 p.m., crews from Wailuku, Kahului, Wailea remained on scene, working to bring the fire under control.

When fire crews first arrived, the residential structure was fully engulfed in flames, said Maui Fire Services Officer Edward Taomoto.

Because of limited water supply and difficult access to the home, the fire department’s Air 1 helicopter was dispatched to assist, said FSO Taomoto.

***More information will be provided when it becomes available.