Olowalu Fire 80% Contained

July 8, 2016, Olowalu brushfire. MFD photo.

The Olowalu brush fire that started on Friday, was declared 80 percent contained late Monday afternoon.

About 15 firefighters spent the day dousing hot spots along the Ukumehame Stream from deep within the valley, to the lower areas near Honoapiʻilani Highway.

Maui Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto said those areas along the stream are full of large tree growth and crews were finding lots of smoldering tree logs at the location. “If crews don’t get those large tree stumps extinguished, they’ll stay hot, and over time, may eventually flame up and ignite other vegetation,” he said.

Crews had planned on making periodic fire patrols throughout the night.

Fire officials said no helicopters were used since there were no significant flare ups on Monday.