UPDATE: Kahikinui Brush Fire Scorches 25 Acres

UPDATE: Maui firefighters continued to monitor hot spots overnight at a brush fire in Kahikinui.  The fire, which was first reported early Monday morning, Nov. 30, was 90% contained by 5:30 p.m.  Fire officials say the blaze burned a total of 25 acres of brush on the mauka side of the Piʻilani Highway between miles 24.5 and 26.  The cause of the fire has not been determined.

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A fire reported early Monday morning on the southern slopes of Haleakalā has burned an estimated 15 acres in the Kahikinui area since it was first reported at 5:11 a.m. The fire is located on the mauka side of the Piʻilani Highway between mile 24.5 and 26.

Kula firefighters arrived on scene at 5:51 a.m., and had the fire about 80% contained by around 9 a.m.

No structures were in immediate danger, and no evacuations of area homes were ordered, according to Maui Fire Services officer Edward Taomoto.

Five companies and three water tankers from Kula, Makawao, Kahului, Wailea, and Lahaina responded to the scene. Two helicopters are also providing water drops to the hard-to-reach areas of the fire perimeter, while ground crews are walking the fire line to douse hot spots. Additional crews have been called back to work and are on their way with reserve vehicles.

About 27 firefighters remained on scene at last report, working the brush fire.

There is no word yet on what caused the fire.

The Piʻilani Highway was temporarily closed to all vehicle traffic between mile post 24.5 and mile post 26, for safety of firefighters and helicopters working on or near the highway.  According to Maui Police, all County roads had reopened by noon.

MFD 11.30.15 Kahikinui fire.

File Photo by Wendy Osher.

MFD 11.30.15 Kahikinui fire.

MFD 11.30.15 Kahikinui fire.

MFD 11.30.15 Kahikinui fire.

MFD 11.30.15 Kahikinui fire.