Kūihelani brush fire updates: 5 acres burned; 100% contained as of 7 p.m.

Update: 9:12 p.m., Aug. 23, 2024

A fire along the Kūihelani Highway in Central Maui on Friday afternoon burned five acres of brush before it was brought under control.

The fire was first reported at 4:34 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, near Mile 4 of the highway between Waikō Road and the Honoapiʻilani Highway. 

When crews arrived on scene, they found the fire burning across vacant land towards the highway.  Firefighters were able to stop the fire along the highway and kept it from jumping across the road, according to department reports.  

The department used two helicopters to conduct water drops in areas that were less accessible.  Air support was also used to help douse spot fires.  

In addition to air support, units responding to the fire included: Engine 10, Tanker 10, Hazmat 10, Engine 6, Tanker 14, a battalion chief, fire investigator, wildland callback crews, drone operators, two Mahi Pono tankers, and an Alpha Construction dozer. 

The highway was temporarily closed on Friday afternoon to allow crews to safely work along the roadway.

Fire officials declared the blaze 100% contained at 6:55 p.m.

No damages were reported.

As a reminder, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning that is in effect on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Update: 7 p.m., Aug. 23, 2024

The Maui Fire Department reports that the Kūihelani fire is now 100% contained. Air 1 and Air 2 assets have finished their work for the day and a drone crew is now flying to map hot spots. Maui police say that as of 6:58 p.m., the Kūihelani Highway is open for Kahului bound traffic only.

Update: 5:29 p.m., Aug. 23, 2024

Kūihelani Highway at Waiko Road and Honoapiʻilani Highway is closed, due to a brush fire. Maui police report that visibility is poor in the area.

Update: 4:50 p.m, Aug. 23, 2024

The Maui Fire Department is on scene battling the fire. The Maui Police Department is on scene and is closing traffic on Kūihelani Highway in both directions.

The fire was first reported at 4:35 p.m. near mile marker 4 on Kūihelani Highway.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes of travel.

The Maui Emergency Management Agency advises nearby residents to prepare themselves and their family to evacuate if notified by County officials.

MEMA continues to monitor the situation and will provide additional information as it becomes available.