Brush fire closes airport temporarily
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The Federal Aviation Administration shut down operations at Kahului Airport for about half an hour Friday because of a nearby brush fire and smoke in the area, the state Department of Transportation said.
Five inbound Maui flights had to be diverted to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu.
The brush fire broke out at 11:01 a.m. near Stable Road and Hana Highway, fire officials said.
As of Friday afternoon, an estimated 30 acres of brush was burned.
When crews arrived, they found a working brush fire in very dry and light brush that was spreading very rapidly due to strong winds.
Personnel proceeded with the fire attack and had the fire 90 percent contained at approximately 11:50 a.m.
Fire officials said Friday afternoon that crews will remain on scene to conduct mop-up operations and further secure the perimeter of the fire.
Five engine companies, two Maui Fire Department water tankers, the Air 1 helicopter along with Mahi Pono water tankers and the state DOT Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting units all responded to the blaze.