Update: Maui fire crews stop forward progress on 10.2 acre brush fire; Ukumehame blaze 75% contained by nightfall

Update: July 3, 2024

The Ukumehame brush fire was declared 75% contained by nightfall on Tuesday. A Maui Fire Department crew remained on scene throughout the night to monitor the area. Emergency managers say the fire was initially reported as being in Olowalu, but was updated to better reflect the area of Ukumehame, further south.

Update: Maui fire crews able to stop forward progress of 10.2 acre brush fire in Olowalu
Update: 3:40 p.m., July 2, 2024

Maui fire crews were able to stop forward progress on a 10.2 acre fire at Olowalu in West Maui by 1 p.m.  Fire officials say crews continue to strengthen containment and work towards full extinguishment.  

The fire was first reported at 10:47 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 in the area of Ehehene Street, mauka of the Honoapiʻilani Highway.

Crews arrived to find a brush fire that had spread from a grassy field into heavier brush and trees, according to a department update.  Ground crews used hose lines to contain the fire and crews aboard the departmentʻs Air 1 helicopter made water drops in areas that were difficult to access.  

As of 3:40 p.m., heavy equipment was being used to create a break around the area. 

No injuries have been reported and no residents are displaced at this time.  

On scene, crews battled the fire in conditions that included sunny, warm weather with light winds.  

Crews responding to the scene include: Engine 3, Ladder 3, Tanker 3, Engine 11, Engine 10, Tanker 14, Air 1, a battalion chief, fire investigator, a local private tanker, a tanker from Alpha Construction and heavy equipment from Goodfellow Bros.

10.2 acres burned; brush fire still active
Update: 3 p.m., July 2, 2024

Approximately 10.2 acres has burned in Olowalu. Crews from the Maui Fire Department continue to battle the brushfire. Emergency officials say there is currently no impact to traffic on the Honoapiilani Highway, and no road closures at this time.

Maui fire crews battling Olowalu brush fire
Original post:

Maui fire crews are battling a 1 acre brush fire in Olowalu near 550 Ehehene Street. The fire was called in to 911 dispatch at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

Maui fire and police crews are on scene. The Maui Fire Department has deployed the use of the departmentʻs Air-1 helicopter for water drops.

Weather in the area includes winds from the east blowing at approximately 3.5 mph.

Motorists are advised of heavy smoke in the area that could reduce visibility.

As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid the area if possible to allow fire and police crews to work safely.

The Maui Emergency Management Agency advised the public to monitor radio, TV, and mobile devices for official information. Residents should prepare themselves and their families to evacuate if notified by County officials, according to MEMA.

*This post will be updated as more information becomes available.