All Three Maui Fires Fully Contained, Kīhei Blaze Claims 270 Acres

(Update 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, 2019)

Maui firefighters were able to fully contain a brush fire in Kīhei that consumed an estimated 270 acres, according to Maui fire officials. 

The blaze, which was the largest of three separate fires reported on Sunday afternoon, moved south and mauka and was fanned by 10 to 15 mph winds. 

Firefighters reported hot spots where kiawe continue to burn in gulches and other difficult-to-access terrain. Fire crews are continuing to mop up perimeter areas. 

According to the Mayorʻs office, even though the Kīhei fire is fully contained, it could take days or weeks to be fully extinguished. 

In the days ahead, residents and visitors can expect to see burning areas, or “smokers,” which will be allowed to burn out deep within the containment area.

The two other fires, both in Waikapū, were declared fully contained and extinguished Monday morning. One was a 5-acre blaze off of Waiko Road near the former Apana scrap yard. The other burned 10 acres mauka of Honoapiʻilani Highway, along highway shoulders near the Kahili Golf Course. 

All roads were reopened this morning.

There have been no reports of injuries or structural damage. The causes of the fires remain undetermined at this time.