UPDATE: Pūlehu Road fire in Puʻunēnē on Maui burns 60 acres, now 90% contained

A fire along Pūlehu Road in Puʻunēnē on Maui has burned about 60 acres of light brush, and is 90% contained as of 3:32 p.m. Crews are still on scene conducting mop-up operations as they work towards full extinguishment.

As of 5:48 p.m. Pūlehu Road remained closed between Hansen and Ōmaʻopio Road.

Emergency crews evacuated individuals in the area of the old Puʻunēnē School as a precaution.

The fire was first reported at 12:32 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Crews arrived on scene to find a working brush fire that was quickly spreading due to strong winds. A heavy billow of white smoke could be seen from Central Maui at around 12:39 p.m.

The fire resulted in the temporary closure of Pūlehu Road between Hansen Road and the Central Maui Landfill.

Mahi Pono, Alpha Construction, HC&D, and County of Maui Dept of Public Works supported Maui Fire Department operations with heavy equipment and water tankers. Fire crews include: four engine companies, three MFD tankers, Air 1, and a battalion chief.

Maui Fire Services Chief Rylan Yatsushiro said there were reported damages to three utility poles, and assessment is underway.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

*Check back for updates, which will be posted as they become available. If you have images of news happening on Maui that you would like to share, send them to us at [email protected].