Update: 1:39 p.m., June 18, 2023
A 1 acre brush fire in the Kailua area of East Maui is now 100% under control following overnight firefighting efforts and an extended road closure, according to an update provided by Maui Fire Department officials.
The fire was first reported at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023 in between Mile 7 and 8 of the Hāna Highway.
Crews initially arrived to find an area vegetation burning above the highway. MFD Acting Information Officer, Chris Stankis said access was difficult due to steep terrain, as well as rocks and logs rolling down onto the roadway.
Crews made access the best they could overnight, and at first light, Air 1 was activated to provide water drops into the least accessible areas, according to department reports.
The fire is currently contained, with personnel remaining on scene to compete mop up.
Responding units included: Engine 2, Engine 5, Engine 10, Tanker 10, Air 1 and a Battalion Chief.
The cause of fire is undetermined.
Update: 11:40 a.m., June 18, 2023
The Hāna Highway (360) is now OPEN in both directions as of 11:40 a.m. on Sunday, June 18, 2023. The road was closed for several hours near Mile 8 in Kailua, while firefighting crews battled a brush fire on the mauka side of the road.
Update: 10:45 a.m., June 18, 2023
The Hāna Highway (360) remains closed in both directions near Mile Post 8 in Kailua due to ongoing firefighting operations. The brush fire was first reported on the mauka side of the road.
Update: 6:21 a.m., June 18, 2023
The Hāna Highway (360) is completely shut down at Mile Post 8 in the East Maui area of Kailua due to a brush fire. The fire was reported on the mauka side of the roadway, far up into the mountain. Both lanes are closed in the area due to fire embers and ongoing firefighting efforts.
Update: 5:42 a.m., June 18, 2023
The Maui Fire Department will return at first light. The Hāna Highway (360) is still being impacted by falling embers from a brush fire. When the fire department returns at about 5:45 a.m., they anticipate having a full road closure while they battle the fire.
Posted: 5:38 a.m., June 18, 2023
The Maui Fire Department and police are on the scene of a brush fire in the area of MP 8 along the Hāna Highway (360) for a brush fire, fire is on the mauka side of the roadway, far up into the mountain. Both lanes are closed in the area due to fire embers.
Original source: https://mauinow.com/2023/06/18/brush-fire-forces-closure-of-hana-highway-near-mile-8/