Crater Road fire at Haleakalā still at 80% containment headed into Day 10

Update: 7 p.m., July 19, 2024

The Crater Road fire at Haleakalā remains at 80% containment as firefighting efforts enter a 10th day on Saturday. The fire started on July 10, blocking access to the Summit District of Haleakala National Park and putting Upcountry communities on edge nearly a year after the devastating wildfires of 2023.

Maui fire officials said cloud cover slowed the pace of work, but crews were able to prevent fire growth with acreage burned remaining at 574 as of 7 p.m. on Friday, July 19. Barring any emergencies Friday night, the update will be the final one on this event issued in the form of a County of Maui press release, with future updates to be provided periodically through the Maui Fire Department.

Friday’s work by firefighters and state wildland crews involved the mop up and extinguishment of hot spots using hoses and apparatus.

Water tankers from MFD, County Public Works, Alpha Construction Inc. and Vares Construction hauled water up the mountain to supply fire crews. Helicopters filled portable water tanks for crews on the ground and made water drops on hot spots throughout Friday morning.

“As cloud cover and light rain moved in around noon, air activity was halted due to poor visibility,” county officials said. 

A Maui Fire Department command element, an engine and a tanker will remain onsite overnight. N5 sensors also remain in place and nighttime drone flights of the area are also planned. 

MFD and DOFAW personnel, plus aircraft and tankers, will return on Saturday morning to continue working toward extinguishment.