All Roads Reopened as Crews Battle Brush Fire

Central Maui Fire. PC: Val Toro

Central Maui fire 9.1.19. PC: Val Toro.

Central Maui fire 9.1.19. PC: Val Toro.

Central Maui fire 9.1.19. PC: Val Toro.

Photo Credit: Carl Yoshihara

Photo: Rod Antone

Photo: Rod Antone

Photo: Rod Antone

Photo: Rod Antone

Photo Credit: Ryan Piros

Photo Credit: Ryan Piros

Photo Credit: Ryan Piros

Update: 10:09 p.m. 9.1.2019

Pulehu Road from Hookele Street to Omaopio Road is now open as fire crews work to extinguish a brush fire in Kahului.

The fire was last reported at 50 acres and 65 percent contained.

Update: 6:10 p.m. 9.1.2019

Hansen Road has now been reopened, but Pulehu Road remains closed as fire crews battle a brush fire that broke out in Kahului earlier today.

More updates to follow as they develop.

Update: 4:36 p.m. 9.1.2019

Multiple groups are battling a brush fire that broke out in Kahului earlier today.

The blaze is now estimated to have scorched 50 acres and is 65 percent contained, according to the Maui County Fire Department.

Fire units from Kahului airport, a Maui DPW tanker, Goodfellows Bros dozers, Vares heavy equipment, and a Mahi Pono dozer have all been deployed to help MFD fight the fire.

Fire crews were able to stop the flames from spreading to the Maui Tow and TJ Gomes baseyards, as well as the Maui Eko Greenwaste facility.

Strong tradewinds with gusts over 30 miles per hour fought against firefighters.

No significant damages have been reported and no evacuations have been ordered.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

More updates to come as they develop.

Update: 3:59 p.m. 9.1.2019

A fire that broke out in Kahului earlier today has now claimed 50 acres and is at 65 percent containment, according to a Maui County Fire Department Facebook post.

As heavy smoke persists, MFD is urging motorists to avoid the area.

No structures have been damaged and no evacuations were ordered.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

More updates to come as they develop.

Update: 1:57 p.m. 9.1.2019

Hansen Road is closed entirely from Maui Veterans Highway to Hana Highway due to a brush fire that broke out earlier today. Pulehu Road from Hookele Street to Omaopio Rd is also closed.

Fire crews are responding to the fire, which is in the area of Pulehu Road, bordered by Hookele Street, Hansen Road, and Hana Highway.  Multiple Maui County Fire Department units and Air 1 are on scene.

Winds are blowing the blaze southwards.

Fire officials have not yet determined what sparked the flames and have not released a statement regarding containment.

“Please ask the public to avoid the area for the safety of responders.  More information will be released when it becomes available,” MFD acting information officer Chris Stankis said in an email announcement.

This story will be updated.