UPDATE: 2,500 Acres Burned, Winds Fuel Fast Moving Pukalani Fire

July 3, 2018, 3:10 PM HST
* Updated July 3, 7:50 PM

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UPDATE: (7 p.m.) A total of 2,500 acres of fallow sugar cane and brush had burned as of 7 p.m. The brush fire was initially reported at 2:30 p.m. and remains active, but crews have made “significant progress,” according to an update by Maui Fire Services Chief Rylan Yatsushiro.

According to FSC Yatsushiro, the fire is not expected to be officially considered “contained” until all perimeters are secured. Most of the acreage burned is located between Haleakalā Highway and Pūlehu Road.

The Maui Fire Department currently has seven Engine crews (three of which are emergency call back personnel) engaging the fire at this time. Three air units will also be assisting with airdrops until dark.

Also assisting in the firefighting effort are: three dozers and personnel from HC&S, two dozers and a tanker from Goodfellow Bros, two tankers from West Maui Land Co., one dozer from County of Maui Public Works, and a crew from the State Department of Transportation Airport Crash Rescue Department.

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Earlier, the areas of the Central Maui Landfill and the Ameron quarry off of Pūlehu Road were evacuated as a precaution. FSC Yastushiro said there have also been reports of power lines and poles in the burn area that have sustained damage, and Maui Electric crews are on scene making assessments.

At this time, there are no threats to homes and no injuries to report.

Crews will continue active firefighting efforts through the night.

UPDATE: (3:52 p.m.): Maui police have closed the mauka bound lane (Kīhei side) of the Haleakalā Highway above Firebreak Road due to the active brush fire below Pukalani. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area or use alternate routes. Motorists report heavy stop-and-go traffic. Due the same fire, Pūlehu Road is closed in both directions at the quarry. Maui police say motorists should avoid using Pūlehu Road at this time.

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UPDATE (3:44 P.M.): As of 3:33 p.m., the Maui Fire Department is asking for the evacuation of the HC&D (formerly Ameron) quarry area off of Pūlehu Road as crews continue to battle an active fire in the Pukalani/Hāliʻimaile area.

PREVIOUS POST: (3:28 P.M.) At approximately 2:30 p.m., Maui Fire Department crews responded to reports of a brush fire in the area of Haleakalā Highway and Hāliʻimaile Road. Crews arrived and found a large brush fire established, growing rapidly and headed south.

Currently, 3 Engines, 2 Tankers, 3 air units, several heavy equipment units, and a Battalion Chief are on scene.

This fire is still very much active and moving quickly in the southerly direction. No homes are being threatened at this time and the cause of this fire is undetermined. Updates will be provided as they become available.

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ORIGINAL POST: An active brush fire is currently burning near the Haleakalā Highway below Pukalani near the Hāliʻimaile area. Witnesses say the blaze appears to be moving fast under brisk winds. Heavy smoke could be seen from the neighboring community mauka of the fire.

*Please check back for updates, which will be posted as they become available.

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