PHOTOS: Brush Fire in Pāʻia Forces Closure of Baldwin Avenue

Baldwin Avenue brush fire, 9/3/14. Photo by Tara Dugan.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 5:15 p.m., 9/3/14)

All roads are now open following two unscheduled cane fires reported shortly before 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, across the street from Holy Rosary Church in Pāʻia.

(Update: 3:09 p.m., 2:15 p.m. 9/3/14)

Baldwin Avenue in Pāʻia remains closed between Holy Rosary Church and the Pāʻia Gym due to a brush fire reported at 1:47 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014.

As of 3 p.m., there were two separate fires burning in the area–one along Baldwin Avenue that was 3-5 acres in size and 75% contained; and another in a gulch on HC&S land that was being handled separately.

Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga described the fires as “unscheduled cane burns,” located in the area across the street from the Holy Rosary Church.

Doris Todd Memorial Christian School issued a notification to parents of students saying the fire department is on scene battling a blaze in an area of brush between Doris Todd and Pāʻia Elementary School, and that the fire was not headed in the school’s direction at last report.

The road is closed around the Pāʻia Gym, so parents are advised to pickup their child as they are able.  Sports at the school have been cancelled for the afternoon.

In order to access students for pickup parents may have to temporarily go to Hāliʻimaile Avenue and come down Baldwin Avenue.  The road closure is temporary, but remained in place as of 3 p.m.

The fire department was conducting water drops with its Air 1 Helicopter at last report.

Baldwin Avenue brush fire, 9/3/14. Photo by Tara Dugan.

Baldwin Avenue brush fire, 9/3/14. Photo by Tara Dugan.

Baldwin Avenue brush fire, 9/3/14. Photo by Tara Dugan.

Baldwin Avenue brush fire, 9/3/14. Photo by Tara Dugan.