FIRE UPDATE

Crater Road Fire containment is now at 80% and 574 acres as of 7 p.m. today, 7/14, according to Maui Fire Department (MFD). Firebreaks are four miles long and about 10- to 20-feet wide, with a contingency line about three miles long and 20- to 40-feet wide. Crews and heavy equipment continued work today to reinforce and improve containment lines and extinguish hot spots along the perimeter and within the interior. Seven helicopters made water drops to extinguish hot spots, especially in the eucalyptus grove on the mauka flank of the fire. Helicopters also transported portable water tanks and pumps to areas inaccessible to vehicles to allow crews to address hot spots. MFD personnel with an engine and a tanker will remain overnight to monitor conditions, with work resuming tomorrow.

RESPONSE

MFD personnel were joined by personnel from State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR DOFAW), National Park Service and Haleakala Ranch, along with heavy equipment and water tankers from Goodfellow Brothers, Alpha Construction, Vares Construction, Hayes Construction, Mahi Pono, County Public Works and Transportation departments. MFD personnel with an engine and a tanker will remain overnight to monitor conditions.

MEMA EMERGENCY ADVISORY LIFTED

Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) issued an informational message at 6:57 p.m. 7/13 that LIFTS the Crater Road Fire emergency advisory sent at 4:11 p.m. 7/12. Due to improving conditions, County of Maui officials LIFTED the advisory that had been issued for residents above Kekaulike and Haleakala highways between Upper Kimo and Waipoli roads. Although evacuations are NOT expected, residents are asked to continue to monitor radio, TV and mobile devices for official information. If conditions change, notifications will be issued.

CLOSURES

Crater Road and Haleakala National Park remain closed. State DLNR DOFAW closed the Kula Forest Reserve and all Na Ala Hele Trails in the reserve at 3 p.m. 7/12 until further notice as a precautionary measure.

WATER INFORMATION

The Crater Road fire is far uphill relative to the County Department of Water Supply water system, and there are no current concerns over the safety of the Upcountry drinking water, according to County Water Supply Director John Stufflebean. However, DWS is prepared to respond should the system be threatened.

BACKGROUND

MFD reported the Crater Road fire at about 6:13 p.m. 7/10. MEMA's Emergency Operations Center was partially activated at 8:02 p.m. 7/10 in response to the fire. Mayor Richard Bissen signed an Emergency Proclamation at 7:20 a.m. 7/11 in response to the ongoing fire, which authorizes the County to access federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure, including funds for emergency response efforts to ensure continued and effective countywide response.

INFO

Sign up for MEMA alerts at www.mauicounty.gov/MEMA and follow County of Maui on Facebook and Instagram.

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