VIDEO: Stable Road Brush Fire, One Evacuated, 80% Contained

Stable Road brush fire 3/31/12. Photo by Wendy Osher.

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rem5yKg9mZU /] By Wendy Osher

(Update: 8:30 p.m. 4/1/12)

Maui firefighters remain on the scene of a stubborn brush fire first reported on Saturday morning on Stable Road. As of 4:30 p.m. today, the fire was approximately 80% contained. Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga said some hotspots still remain within the perimeter. Crews will conduct fire patrols and monitoring throughout the night.

(Update: 1:51 p.m. 4/1/12)

The Stable Road brush fire on Maui is now 75% contained. The blaze burned a total of 20 acres since it was first reported at 10:18 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2012.

Maui Fire Department officials say the cause is undetermined at this time.

Crews on scene today include firefighters from the Kahului and Paia stations, as well as crews from the state Department of Forestry and Wildlife who are assisting with mop-up operations.

(Update: 7:15 p.m. 3/31/12)

Maui firefighters remain on the scene at a 20-acre brush fire. At 7 p.m., the fire was 40% contained, according to Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

Fire officials say hand crews continue fighting the fire at ground level, but air operations have ceased. Dozer operations will continue for another hour as they cut a firebreak around the fire perimeter.

FSO Mainaga said a heavy fuel load was contributing to the fire, and swamp conditions were making it difficult for heavy machinery to traverse. Photo courtesy, Maui Fire Department.

FSO Mainaga said a heavy fuel load was contributing to the fire, and swamp conditions were making it difficult for heavy machinery to traverse.

(Update: 1:16 p.m. 3/31/12)

A second helicopter has been added to resources on scene as Maui firefighters continue to battle a brush fire off of Stable Road.

As of 1:15 p.m., the fire was 20% contained, according to Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

A single person was evacuated from one home, said Mainaga. No structures have been lost, but some roof damage was reported due to flying embers.

Maui Airport District Manager Marvin Moniz said commercial flights were not affected, however helicopters changed flight patterns in the area.

Stable Road brush fire 3/31/12. Photo by Wendy Osher.

(Saturday, 3/31/12)

Firefighters remain on the scene of a brush fire in Central Maui.

The blaze was reported at 10:18 a.m. on the Airport side of Stable Road.

Due to the heavy smoke conditions, Fire Service Chief Lee Mainaga said the exact size of the fire is difficult to determine, but the estimate appears to be around 15 to 20 acres involved.

Multiple fire crews are on scene including Engine-10, Tanker-10, Engine-2, Tanker-3, Engine-3, Mini-2, Tanker-14, Engine-6, Engine-5, Battalion Chiefs 1 and 4, Airport Rescue Fire Fighters, the Air-1 Helicopter, Department of Forestry and Wildlife crews, and dozers and tankers from the county Public Works department.

Stable Road brush fire 3/31/12. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Stable Road brush fire 3/31/12. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Heavy smoke from the Stable Road fire could be seen in the back drop of Kanaha Pond in Kahului. Photo by Val Toro, 3/31/12.

Heavy smoke from the Stable Road Fire has hampered visibility throughout the Central Maui area, with the strong smell of smoke reported as far away as Maalaea. Photo 3/31/12 by Wendy Osher.

Heavy smoke from the Stable Road fire could be seen throughout Central Maui. Photo by Val Toro, 3/31/12.

Heavy smoke from the Stable Road fire could be seen throughout Central Maui. Photo by Val Toro, 3/31/12.

Heavy smoke from the Stable Road fire could be seen throughout Central Maui. Photo by Val Toro, 3/31/12.

Heavy smoke from the Stable Road fire could be seen throughout Central Maui. Photo by Val Toro, 3/31/12.