Firefighters continue to battle stubborn brush fire in Kihei

KIHEI - Two dozen firefighters on Friday afternoon were still trying to bring under control a stubborn brush fire along the lower slopes of Haleakala near Maui Meadows, fire officials said.

Battalion Chief Frank Tam said the fire had been contained and fire crews were trying to fortify fire lines that had been cut around the burn area.

But the rocky and rough terrain has made it a tougher battle for firefighters as regular engines cannot make it up the slope and the department is relying on their smaller vehicles that can handle the terrain but carry less water and equipment.

The fire has scorched an estimated 500 acres alongside and above Maui Meadows since breaking out Wednesday afternoon in an area previously burned by a wildfire that began Saturday.

The Air One helicopter is continuing to make water drops in the area on Friday, Tam said. He said he hoped the fire will be under control by today, but added, "the weather is not always our friend."