PHOTOS/VIDEO: Heavy equipment was deployed to help contain a brush fire that burned about 25 acres in Waiehu mauka of Kahekili Highway near Maka’ala Drive, fire officials said.
Kahekili Highway was closed from Makaala Drive to Waiehu Beach Road, early through late morning Thursday. Precautionary voluntary evacuations were advised and later lifted. The fire’s containment remained at 80% as of late Thursday afternoon.
No injuries or structural damage were reported.
Smoke impacted residents of Wailuku Country Estates, Puuohala Village and Waiehu Terrace, who were cautioned about possible evacuation. A temporary voluntary evacuation site was set up at Keopuolani Skate Park and later closed.
Earlier, residents could see and smell smoke as the Maui Fire Department’s Air One helicopter flew in numerous water drops to douse blaze first reported at 2:17 a.m. Thursday in the area mauka of Kahekili Highway near Maka’ala Drive.