Maui Firefighters Douse Flare-Ups at 2,500 Acre Burn Area

Haleakala/Pukalani brush fire. PC: Maui Fire Department.

UPDATE: 5:12 p.m. 7.3.18

Firefighters battled a few large flare-ups and continue water drops today after a brush fire blackened 2,500 acres of brush and fallow sugar cane fields.

The fire was first reported at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, near the Haleakalā Highway, and continues to smolder today.

Firefighters report that the weather remains hot and dry with no rain.

Ground crews continued to work the perimeter of the fire into this afternoon.

No structures are threatened and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

UPDATE: 8:58 a.m. 7.3.18

Yesterday’s brush fire below Pukalani remains active.

The fire was first reported at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 between the Haleakalā Highway and Pūlehu Road.

Haleakala/Pukalani brush fire. PC: Maui Fire Department.

Val Martin, Assistant Chief of Support Services for the Department of Fire and Public Safety said crews will continue working to secure the perimeter with personnel, heavy equipment and helicopter drops today.

“While crews have made significant progress, this fire is not expected to be officially considered contained until all perimeters are secured,” said AC Martin.

No structures are threatened at this time. The fire remains undetermined.

Māʻalaea Brush Fire Burns 3-4 Acres

At 3:55 a.m. on Wednesday July 4, 2018, a separate brush fire was reported near the Kūihelani Highway and Honoapiʻilani Highway near Māʻalaea. Fire officials say crews from Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea and Lahaina were able to control an approximately 3-4 acre brush fire from spreading.

As of 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4, the fire was considered contained and one crew remained on scene working to put out hot spots. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, according to AC Martin.

Crews will continue active firefighting efforts throughout the day.