The long-awaited Investigative Report on the Kaua'ula Valley Brush Fire was issued mid-December by the County of Maui Department of Fire & Public Safety's Fire Prevention Bureau.
Lead Investigator Parrish Purdy authored the seven-page analysis of what happened during the early morning hours on Aug. 24, when a fire fueled by the strong winds of Hurricane Lane swept through the foothills above Lahaina destroying 21 resident structures and approximately 27 vehicles, a total loss of approximately $4,300,000.
Maui Police Department officer A. Sellers first witnessed the orange glow coming from Kaua'ula Valley at 12:45 a.m. Officer J. Joaquin, traveling north on Honoapiilani Highway, observed the orange glow and responded.