Update: Kīhei brush fire burns 35 acres, 100% contained; cause appears to be accidental

Update: 4:40 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 1

The brush fire that began on July 31 in Kīhei was called 100% contained at 4:30 p.m. today.  Hot spots still remain within the perimeter.  The acreage is unchanged.  MFD units will continue to make checks and address hot spots throughout this afternoon and into the overnight hours.

Update: 7:23 a.m., Aug. 1, 2024

The brush fire that started Wednesday afternoon in Kīhei is now 80% contained as of 7 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1. Fire officials report there is no smoke visible along the perimeter and no change in acreage, which was last reported to be 35 acres. 

Crews worked through the night to reinforce containment lines and extinguish hot spots, aided by light winds.  Crews are on scene again this morning to continue to improve containment and address hot spots. 

Fire official say they anticipate there will be a possible increase in smoke as the winds pick up this afternoon. 

The cause of the fire appears to be accidental but remains under investigation, according to department reports.

Update:

A brush fire in Kīhei has burned an estimated 35 acres, with containment at 50% as of 8 p.m. Maui fire officials report that fire progression had been stopped by 5:45 p.m.. Crews are cutting containment lines mauka of the fire and conducting mop-up operations along the perimeter. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The fire was first reported at 4:01 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 in an area of vacant land along the Piʻilani Highway between Ohukai Road and Kūlanihākoʻi Street in South Maui.

Crews arrived on scene to find an area of brush burning just south of Ohukai Road towards Piʻilani Highway and Kūlanihākoʻi Street. Crews attacked the fire as it reached the highway and were also able to stop as it neared the gulch north of Kūlanihākoʻi.

The department’s Air 1 helicopter made water drops to prevent the fire from extending mauka. Heavy equipment was also used to create containment lines on the flanks of the fire.

Crews responding to the scene included Engine 6, Engine 10, Wildland 10, Tanker 10, Hazmat 10, Rescue 10, Engine 14, Ladder 14, Tanker 14, Air 1, a battalion chief and fire investigator; tankers from Public Works, Goodfellow Bros and Hayes Construction; and dozers from Hayes Construction and PB
Sullivan.

No injuries were reported. Piʻilani Highway was closed northbound for a period of time to allow crews to work safely along the highway, but was reopened by 5 p.m. The state Department of Education also evacuated Kūlanihākoʻi High School as a precaution on Wednesday afternoon.

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A brush fire in Kīhei has burned an estimated 15-20 acres, with containment at 50% as of 5:45 p.m. Maui fire officials report that fire progression has been stopped. Crews are cutting containment lines mauka of the fire and conducting mop-up operations along the perimeter. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Residents in the area makai of Piʻilani Highway between Ohukai and Waipuilani roads are advised to remain vigilant, according to a Maui Emergency Management Agency announcement. Community members with respiratory concerns are advised to stay indoors with windows closed, or leave the area. Avoid the area if possible.

The County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety reported a brush fire at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, on vacant land south of Ohukai Road in the area mauka of Piʻilani Highway. No injuries or structural damages have been reported due to the fire.

Four fire units and three tankers were dispatched to the scene along with the department’s Air One helicopter and two dozers.

The state Department of Education evacuated Kūlanihākoʻi High School as a precaution.

MEMA’s Emergency Operations Center was partially activated at 4:22 p.m. and the Emergency Operating Center status was downgraded at 6:50 p.m.

Find mental health support due to stress, anxiety and trauma from the wildfires at www.mauirecovers.org or by calling the Hawai‘i Support Line at 808-446-6676.