Piʻihana Farms fire in Wailuku is 90% contained: Evacuations lifted

Update: 12:47 p.m., July 22, 2024

Mandatory evacuations are now lifted for Piʻihana Road, Neki Place, and Kapanui Place in Wailuku. Maui Fire Department crews are still in the area where they are conducting mop up operations.

Piʻihana Road in Wailuku reopened at 1:10 p.m., according to Maui Police Department. For the safety of first responder personnel, the public is asked to use caution while driving in the area.

The Piʻihana brush fire is 90% contained at approximately four acres, according to Maui Fire Department. Four fires in the Piʻihana Farms area were reported at approximately 9:15 a.m., resulting in both mandatory and voluntary area evacuations, which have since been lifted.

Update: 12:40 p.m., 12:20 p.m., July 22, 2024

Maui County officials have lifted the voluntary evacuations for Happy Valley, Puʻuohala Village, and Wailuku Country Estates. Piʻihana Road remains closed until further notice. No further evacuations are expected at this time. If you or your family feel impacted by smoke, remain indoors or out of the area. Monitor radio, TV, and mobile devices for official information.

The Piʻihana brush fire is 90% contained at approximately four acres, according to a Maui Fire Department at 12:40 p.m. Four fires in the Piʻihana Farms area were reported at approximately 9:15 a.m., and shortly after the reports, Piʻihana Road homes were evacuated by MPD as a precaution prior to a mandatory evacuation notice issued at 10:55 a.m. via Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). WEA, which broadcasts via phone, TV and radio, is distinct and separate from MEMA alerts and do not require subscriptions.

Update: 12:12 p.m.

The Piʻihana Road area remains closed while crews continue firefighting efforts. Maui police have evacuated residents of Piʻihana Road, Neki Place, and Hapanui Place. Voluntary evacuations are in place for Happy Valley, Puʻuohala Village, and Wailuku Country Estates areas.

Update: 11:20 a.m., 11:07 a.m., 10:49 a.m. July 22, 2024

Maui fire crews are on scene battling multiple fires in the Piʻihana Farms area of Wailuku. Residents reported smoke in the area at around 9:45 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024. Fire officials say they have no size estimates yet.

Mandatory evacuations were issued for the Piʻihana Road area due to the fast-moving brush fire, with an evacuation alert issued just before 11 a.m., according to the Maui Emergency Management Agency. Voluntary evacuations are in place for Happy Valley, Puʻuohala Village, and Wailuku Country Estates areas. Police also evacuated residents of Neki Place as a precaution. 

Evacuees are being directed to Keōpūolani Regional Park and are asked to follow directions from emergency personnel.

Northeast trade winds are blowing at 12 – 15 miles per hour. Fire and smoke are impacting the Happy Valley, Pu’uohala Village and Wailuku Country Estates area. The public is asked to avoid the area to allow first responders to work safely.

Crews are working to contain and mop up the various fires.  A half dozen engines, plus Maui Fire Department personnel and private tankers are responding.

MEMA has been partially activated and Wireless Emergency Alerts are being sent to impacted residents.

If you feel you and your family’s safety is impacted by fire or smoke, you should evacuate now. MEMA’s emergency call line for Wailuku area residents is open at 808-270-7285.

Maui Emergency Management Agency continues to monitor the situation and will message the all clear when it is safe for the public to return to residences and businesses.