Olowalu brush fire burns more than 100 acres
Trending
A fast-moving brush fire near Olowalu Village burned more than 100 acres on Sturday and was 40% contained as of 7:30 p.m., according to Maui County officials.
No structures had been reported damaged by the fire, which was first reported at 1:57 p.m.
An evacuation order issued at 2:39 p.m. for Olowalu Village from Luawai Street to Ehehene Street remained in effect Saturday night. Residents were directed to leave immediately and evacuate away from the fire area. Emergency sirens sounded at approximately 2:40 p.m.
An emergency shelter was opened at Lahaina Civic Center Gym, 1840 Honoapiilani Highway, while a temporary evacuation point was established at South Maui Community Park and Gym, 1501 Liloa Drive in Kihei.
The Maui Fire Department deployed crews from Lahaina, Napili, Wailuku and Kahului, along with two private bulldozers and two private tankers. Two helicopters assisted during daylight hours, while ground crews continued firefighting operations overnight.
The makai lane of Honoapiilani Highway opened at 9 p.m. for alternating contraflow traffic between North Kihei Road and Olowalu General Store.
Traffic also was limited to local residents from Mile Marker 35 on Honoapiilani Highway near Honokohau Stream to Waihee School on Kahekili Highway.
The fire came as strong winds continued across parts of Maui County.
The weather service canceled the tropical storm watch, flood watch and high surf advisory for Maui County on Saturday afternoon as Hurricane Nolo was forecast to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands.
The Maui Emergency Management Agency remained fully activated Saturday night.
Residents can sign up for Genasys Protect and MEMA emergency alerts at mauicounty.gov/MEMA.