Maalaea Fire burns 2,300 acres, Hwy OPEN, but subject to intermittent closures

(Update 6 a.m. 6/9/10)

Both lanes of Honoapiilani Highway are open to traffic. However, motorists are cautioned that the fire and heavy smoke may cause intermittent road closures. Maui Police will continue to post updates to Honoapiilani Highway on the road closure advisory phone line 986-1200.

Heavy smoke continues to be a factor in the commute along the pali and Maalaea sections of the Honoapiilani Highway. The road remained open in both directions Wednesday morning, but is subject to intermittent closures if necessary. Photo courtesy County of Maui.

Fire officials report that at daylight this morning, an estimated 2,300 acres have been burned. 26 firefighters remained on scene last night. 4 helicopters will return to assist fire crews with water drops. The 2 Black Hawk helicopters requested by Mayor Tavares yesterday completed their assistance and returned to their Big Island base. They will be requested again should it be necessary today.

Fire crews will focus on preventing the brush fire from advancing further on the Ukumehame side of the perimeter. The fire is reported to be approximately a half-mile from the roadway.

The American Red Cross remained open last night with 10 individuals at the War Memorial Gym in Wailuku and one person at the Lahaina Civic Center. At 9:00 a.m. this morning, the Red Cross will close both shelters but remain on stand-by alert mode. Should the fire impact access to and from the West Side, the Red Cross will re-activate both shelters. The shelters are located at:

No injuries were reported from last night’s operations. The firefighter that was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center for smoke inhalation was treated and released.

The Fire and Police Department wishes to thank the Salvation Army for organizing meals and water for personnel yesterday and through the night.

(Supporting information courtesy: County of Maui)