Shortly after midnight this morning, a brush fire was reported in the Olinda Road area of Kula. Residents in the Auli’i Drive area were evacuated at 3:45 a.m. At 4:50 a.m. residents of Hanamu Road were also evacuated. Firefighter crews from Kula, Makawao, Kahului, and Wailea are on scene. The Fire Department’s Air One helicopter was launched at daybreak to conduct aerial assessment of the fire.

The American Red Cross has opened Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani as an evacuation center. Pet owners utilizing the shelter will need to have pets properly restrained. As of 7 a.m., 54 residents were at the emergency shelter.

Kaonoulu Ranch has opened Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao for residents needing to evacuate farm and ranch animals.

Kealaloa Avenue, Haleakala Highway at Lower Kimo Road, and Haleakala Highway at Kula Highway are closed to motorists. 

The County of Maui’s swimming pool located in Pukalani has been closed due to smoke conditions. 

Impacted residents are advised to heed emergency responders when directed to leave the area immediately with your family, pets and necessities.

Heavy smoke conditions in the area exist. A high-wind warning issued by the National Weather Service for portions of Maui County, including the Haleakala summit, remains in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday.