A brush fire in Olowalu was 80 percent contained Wednesday morning, as fire crews continued working to secure the perimeter of the fire that burned an estimated 120 acres.
Honoapiilani Highway was reopened Tuesday night after removal of a large tree that was on fire adjacent to the roadway at about 9:45 p.m.
The fire, reported at 3:02 p.m. Tuesday, was fueled by strong winds, forcing closure of Honoapiilani Highway at about 4 p.m. due to low visibility from heavy smoke. The road was reopened after 6 p.m., when the fire was 50 percent contained, before being temporarily closed while state Department of Transportation highways crews worked to remove the tree.
The area of light brush that burned is mauka of Olowalu General Store and encompasses both sides of Olowalu Stream.
Five engine companies, an emergency call-back crew and a relief tanker responded to the fire, along with two helicopters that operated until nightfall Tuesday. The Maui Fire Department was assisted by water tankers and heavy equipment provided by Goodfellow Bros., West Maui Land Co. and Alpha Construction.
Fire crews are expected to remain on scene throughout the day Wednesday to continue securing the fire perimeter and extinguishing hot spots.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.