Fires at Haleakalā Highway Junction Labeled “Suspicious”

Maui Police fire investigation vehicle. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Two brush fires reported late Monday night appear to be “suspicious” in nature, said Maui Fire Services Officer Edward Taomoto.

The fires were reported on Monday, June 8, 2015, shortly before midnight in an area near the split of Old Haleakalā Highway and the Haleakalā Highway bypass road.

One of the fires was located on the north side of the Haleakalā bypass and the other was on the south side, according to department reports.

“The Makawao crew managed to contain the southern fire, which was most at risk of running away with the wind,” said FSO Taomoto in a department press release.

The southern fire burned about 1,500 square feet; and the northern fire burned about 2,000 square feet before being brought under control.

Both fires were extinguished by 12:35 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2015.

Crews responding to the incident included firefighters from Makawao, Kula and Kahului.

“There were no witnesses, and circumstances surrounding the fire’s start appear suspicious,” said FSO Taomoto.

The cause of the fire was undetermined.