Kula Fire Update No. 2 at 10:50 a.m.: Firefighter crews remain on scene of a brush fire that was reported at 12:22 a.m. today near Olinda Road in Kula and led to evacuations of residents in the Kula 200 and Hanamu Road areas.
As of about 9 a.m. Tuesday, the fire had burned an estimated 675 acres of pastureland and gulches in the Olinda area. Two structures were burned. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation.
High winds, including gusts of up to 80 mph reported in the area, were making conditions unsafe for helicopter operations.
Firefighter crews and tankers from Kula, Makawao, Kahului and Wailea were deployed and are on scene. State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife crews, tankers, engines and heavy equipment are assisting county firefighters. Goodfellow Bros., Haleakala Ranch, Kaonoulu Ranch and Kaupo Ranch also deployed heavy equipment to assist with firebreaks.
As of 7 a.m., 54 residents were at an emergency shelter staffed by the American Red Cross at Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. Pet owners utilizing the shelter will need to have pets properly restrained. Kaonoulu Ranch opened Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao for residents needing to evacuate farm and ranch animals.
Impacted residents are advised to heed emergency responders when directed to leave the area immediately with your family, pets and necessities. Residents in nearby areas should stay informed and make preparations should the active fire reach close proximity and officials call for additional evacuation. Kealaloa Avenue, Haleakala Highway at Lower Kimo Road and Haleakala Highway at Kula Highway are closed to motorists. 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.
The County of Maui’s swimming pool and Department of Motor Vehicles satellite office located in Pukalani have been closed due to smoke conditions. Kula Community Center was closed due to the lack of power.
The Department of Water Supply asks Upcountry residents to conserve water because power outages are afffecting the ability to pump water to certain locations.
Hawaiian Electric Co. advises residents to stay at least 30 feet or more away from downed power lines, which may be energized. Downed power lines can be reported to 911 or Hawaiian Electricʻs trouble line at (808) 871-7777. More information is available at Downed Power Line Safety | Hawaiian Electric
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