Crater Road fire update as of 7:30 a.m. 7 13 24

EMERGENCY ADVISORY

Although no evacuation orders have been given, Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) at 4:11 p.m. 7/12 sent an emergency advisory to encourage residents -- above Kekaulike and Haleakala highways between Upper Kimo and Waipoli roads -- to prepare for potential evacuations. MEMA added that a follow-up message for evacuations will be issued, if necessary, and said to monitor radio, TV and mobile devices for official information.

FIRE UPDATE

Through the night, MEMA has been monitoring the fire and MFD has been onsite. A thermal drone launched at 2 a.m. detected hot spots in the early-morning hours. Maui Fire Department (MFD) air operations resumed at 7 a.m. today with two to three helicopters doing initial assessments; then more military helicopters will be ordered. Weather is clear but winds are 15 to 25 miles per hour with some gusts more than 35 mph, causing embers to fly outside of control lines. No injuries or structural damages have been reported due to the fire.

Yesterday afternoon, 7/12, strong, swirling wind caused fire spotting, which sparked fire outside of the control lines in the afternoon. Fire in a eucalyptus grove on the mauka flank of the burn area has been problematic. Because of wind and difficult terrain, the fire grew to approximately 550 acres on 7/12 and acreage will continue to fluctuate, making containment percentage difficult to estimate.

PRECAUTIONARY SHELTER

Although no evacuation orders have been given, MEMA opened King Kekaulike High School gymnasium as a temporary shelter starting 3 a.m. today until further notice. If area residents are triggered due to the August wildfires and are looking for a safe place to go, the gym offers water, restrooms and electricity. Please make sure to bring medication, go-bags and any other items needed. Shelter is pet friendly.

MEMA CALL LINE

MEMA's emergency call line for Crater Road Fire area residents is open now until further notice at (808) 270-7285.

RESPONSE

MFD command element, one engine, three tankers are onsite. Two to three MFD-contracted helicopters. Additional MFD personnel and engines are heading to the scene at 8 a.m. State DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and National Parks Service crews will deploy later this morning. Military helicopters will get orders once MFD air assessments are complete.

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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