Three Fires Burn Nearly 100 Acres on Maui

August 11, 2019, 5:31 PM HST
* Updated August 12, 6:38 AM

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A portion of Honoapiʻilani Highway from Waikapū to Kūihelani Highway is closed indefinitely with a brush fire clinging dangerously close to the southbound lane, according to the Maui Fire Department.

The Maui Police Department will allow local traffic access to Honoapiʻilani Highway from its intersection of Waikō Road to the tropical plantation on Monday morning.

Other traffic, including morning commuter traffic, will be detoured to Waikō Road and Kūihelani Highway. The portion of Honoapiʻilani Highway from Waikō Road to Wailuku will remain open.

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“As of 10:30 p.m. Sunday, the fire was too close to southbound traffic on Honoapiʻilani Highway to reopen it safely,” Mayor Michael Victorino said.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the highway will remain closed to allow firefighters to do their work. The public’s continued patience is much appreciated.”

The blaze, which claimed 10 acres and is 80 percent contained, is one of three that were reported on Sunday afternoon.

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According to the fire department, the largest blaze that burned 80 acres in Kīhei mauka of Līpoa Parkway is now 20 percent contained. As of 7:15 p.m., it was moving southward and mauka with winds blowing 10 to 15 mph.

The third fire, which sparked off of Waikō Road and covered 5 acres, is now fully contained.

According to the fire department, there were no evacuations ordered. No injuries have been reported and no structures were immediately threatened.

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The causes of the fires are currently unknown. Stay with us for the latest updates.

*If you have photos or video of news happening on Maui, send them to us at newsdesk@mauinow.com.

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