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July 17, 2024

FIRE UPDATE

Crater Road Fire containment remains at 80% and 574 acres, with no fire growth, as of 7 p.m., according to Maui Fire Department (MFD). However, there are many hot spots remaining within the fire perimeter, and the problematic, inaccessible eucalyptus grove continues to smolder. Today, MFD firefighters extended hose lines to continue mopping up along the makai flank of the fire. State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR DOFAW) worked on the southwest side, and dozers from Haleakala Ranch continued to improve and extend contingency lines behind them. National Parks Service (NPS) crews worked on the mauka flank, putting in additional hand line in areas that heavy equipment cannot access. Haleakala Ranch personnel worked the north flank of the fire, addressing hot spots along the perimeter. MFD’s Air 1 and Air 2 dropped water to quell hot spots in portions that ground crews cannot reach. Seven tankers hauled water into the area to support operations. An MFD command element, along with an engine, a tanker and an ATV will remain onsite overnight to monitor the perimeter. Nighttime drone flights of the area are also planned.

RESPONSE

For night operations, MFD command element, engine, tanker and ATV will remain on the scene. Portable N5 sensors. Nighttime drone flights. Daytime operations tomorrow will be similar to today, 7/17.

CLOSURES

State DLNR DOFAW on 7/16 reopened the Kula Forest Reserve and all Na Ala Hele Trails in the reserve, which was closed 7/12 as a precautionary measure. DLNR DOFAW “encourages all visitors to the forest reserve to use extreme caution to avoid sparking any new fires.” Crater Road and Haleakala National Park remain closed.

INFORMATIONAL POSTS

Informational updates via press release, County of Maui website and County social media shifted to one per day unless conditions change.

WATER INFORMATION

The Crater Road fire is far uphill relative to the County Department of Water Supply water system, and there are no current concerns over the safety of the Upcountry drinking water, according to County Water Supply Director John Stufflebean. However, DWS is prepared to respond should the system be threatened.

BACKGROUND

MFD reported the Crater Road fire at about 6:13 p.m. 7/10. MEMA’s Emergency Operations Center was partially activated at 8:02 p.m. 7/10 in response to the fire. Mayor Richard Bissen signed an Emergency Proclamation at 7:20 a.m. 7/11 in response to the ongoing fire, which authorizes the County to access federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure, including funds for emergency response efforts to ensure continued and effective countywide response. Two emergency advisories to prepare for potential evacuations were posted then lifted hours later. News conferences were held with Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke at the County building on 7/11 and 7/15 to provide updates on the fire. No injuries or structural damages have been reported.

INFO

Sign up for MEMA alerts atwww.mauicounty.gov/MEMA and follow County of Maui on Facebook and Instagram. Find mental health support due to stress, anxiety and trauma from the wildfires at or by calling the Hawai’I Cares Crisis Line at 988.

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