Crater Road Fire update as of 1 p.m. 7 12 24

FIRE UPDATE

The majority of the Crater Road fireground remains cold, however, fire in heavy eucalyptus on the mauka side continues to be problematic, according to Maui Fire Department (MFD). A spot fire outside the control line in this area is the priority for multiple ground and air resources that are heavily engaged in suppression efforts. The fire remains at 70% contained at 355 acres as of 1 p.m. July 12, 2024. Forward progress of the fire remains stopped, but a change in acreage may occur today as a result of the eucalyptus grove. No injuries or structural damages have been reported due to the fire, which is located at about the 7,000-foot elevation.

RESPONSE

Five MFD fire crews, Air One, Air Two, one Blackhawk, one Chinook, two tankers, five dozers, 10 National Parks personnel and a 27-person state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife's wildland crew.

CLOSURES

Crater Road will be closed through tomorrow morning, when conditions will be reassessed, according to National Park Service. Haleakala National Park remains closed.

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. July 10. MEMA's Emergency Operations Center was partially activated at 8:02 p.m. July 10 in response to the fire. MEMA issued an informational message at 3:04 a.m. July 11 asking residents above Kekaulike and Haleakala highways between Upper Kimo and Waipoli roads to prepare for potential evacuation, but added that a follow-up message for evacuations would be issued if deemed necessary. At 7:30 p.m., MEMA sent an updated message that lifted the advisory for those residents due to improving conditions. Mayor Richard Bissen signed an Emergency Proclamation at 7:20 a.m. July 11 in response to the ongoing Crater Road Fire, 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. Drones were deployed around 6:30 p.m. July 11 to survey the fire with a thermal lens, which better detects hot spots. MFD crews remained on scene last night to monitor the situation, work on containment and extinguish hot spots. Fire in a eucalyptus grove on the mauka flank of the burn area slightly intensified overnight, causing a plume of smoke this morning.

INFO

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

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