Summit District of Haleakalā National Park remains closed as firefighting efforts continue along Crater Road

The Crater Road Fire remained 80% contained at 574 acres at last report, with the closure of the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park still in effect. The fire started nine days ago on July 10. Containment and acreage has not changed since Monday, July 15.

No injuries or structural damages have been reported.

Most of the firefighting activity on Thursday was centered on the northeast side of the fire. MFD and partners used portable water tanks, long hose lays and helicopter drops to address hot spots, according to an update issued at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

“Heavy equipment continued to improve existing containment lines as well as the contingency lines on the southwest side of the fire,” according to the update. Helicopters were also used to conduct water drops on hot spots dug up by crews with hand tools.

Tankers from MFD, County Public Works and Alpha Construction Inc. shuttled water to the incident scene to support fire-control efforts. An MFD command element, along with an engine and a tanker remained on scene overnight.

N5 sensors remain in place, according to a county update.

Crews, aircraft, heavy equipment and tankers were set to resume firefighting efforts today.

On Tuesday, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources reopened the Kula Forest Reserve and all Nā Ala Hele trails in the reserve, which were closed on July 12 as a precautionary measure.

Barring emergencies, an update later today (July 19), will be the final daily update via the County of Maui. After today, periodic updates will be distributed by the Maui Fire Department.