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July 19, 2024

FIRE UPDATE

Although cloud cover slowed the pace of work during the day, Crater Road Fire containment remains at 80% and 574 acres, with no fire growth, as of 7 p.m. tonight, according to Maui Fire Department (MFD). No injuries or structural damages have been reported. Firefighters from MFD and State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR DOFAW) continued to mop up and extinguish hot spots, using hoses and other apparatus. Water tankers from MFD, County Public Works, Alpha Construction Inc. and Vares Construction hauled water up the mountain to supply the fire crews. Helicopters filled portable water tanks for crews on the ground as well as made water drops on hot spots throughout the morning. As the cloud cover and light rain moved in around noon, air activity was halted due to poor visibility. An MFD command element, along with an engine and a tanker will remain onsite overnight. N5 sensors remain in place. Nighttime drone flights of the area are also planned. MFD and DOFAW personnel, plus aircraft and tankers, will return tomorrow morning to continue working toward extinguishment.

RESPONSE

For night operations, MFD command element, engine and tanker. Portable N5 sensors. Nighttime drone flights. Crews, aircraft, heavy equipment and tankers will return tomorrow.

INFORMATIONAL POSTS

Barring emergencies, tonight, 7/19, is the final daily update via County of Maui press release, website and social media; after tonight, periodic updates will be distributed by MFD.

CLOSURES

Crater Road and Haleakalā National Park remain closed. State DLNR DOFAW on 7/16 reopened the Kula Forest Reserve and all Nā 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.”

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, 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. The 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. 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.

INFO

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

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