Molokaʻi brush fire prompts precautionary evacuations, road closures
By The Maui News
WAILUKU – Door-to-door, voluntary evacuations by Maui Police Department were under way midday today for Molokaʻi homes in the vicinity of a brush fire of approximately 100 acres near the Molokaʻi Airport. Evacuations are being conducted as a precautionary measure, according to Maui Fire Department (MFD) officials.
Portions of roads near the airport were closed and are subject to change depending on conditions, officials said. One structure and one vehicle were consumed in the fire, according to MFD. No injuries have been reported.
MFD Engine 4, Engine 9, Engine 12, Tanker 4, Mini 9, Relief Tanker 4, Relief Tanker 9, Relief Tanker 12, Air 1, Air 2, MFD battalion chief, County Public Works and state Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting are responding to the brush fire.
The Molokaʻi brush fire was first reported around 11:30 p.m. today, Sept. 24, 2024. Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) was partially activated as of 10:57 a.m. MEMA sent an informational message about the brush fire at 11:21 a.m.
Fire update as of 2:30 p.m.
Fire crews have made considerable progress on the roughly 100-acre Molokaʻi fire near Molokaʻi Airport, which poses no active threat at this time, according to Maui Fire Department (MFD). Acreage and containment estimates may fluctuate as assessments are made. No reports of injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation by MFD. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant as fire conditions are subject to change. Monitor radio, TV and mobile devices for official information.
Fire update as of 5 p.m.
The Molokaʻi fire is approximately 60% contained at about 100 acres as of 5 p.m. today, according to Maui Fire Department (MFD). There are no active threats, evacuation advisories or road closures at this time, and there are no reports of injuries. MFD continues to mop up and strengthen containment lines around the fire. Acreage and containment estimates may fluctuate as assessments are made. The cause of the fire is under investigation by MFD. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant as fire conditions are subject to change. Monitor radio, TV and mobile devices for official information.
ROADS REOPEN
Maunaloa Highway and Puupeelua Avenue have been reopened.
VOLUNTARY EVACUATION ADVISORY
None at this time.
Responding units
MFD Engine 4, Engine 9, Engine 12, Tanker 4, Mini 9, Relief Tanker 4, Relief Tanker 9, Relief Tanker 12, Air 1, Air 2, MFD battalion chief, MFD wildland callback firefighters, MFD fire investigator and County Public Works are responding to the brush fire.
Background
Door-to-door, voluntary evacuations by MFD were conducted early on as a precautionary measure for Molokaʻi homes in the vicinity of the brush fire. The Molokaʻi brush fire was first reported around 10:30 a.m. today, Sept. 24, 2024. Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) was partially activated as of 10:57 a.m. MEMA sent informational messages about the brush fire at 11:21 a.m. and at 2:03 p.m.