Crater Road Fire update as of 7 p.m. 7 16 24

FIRE UPDATE

Helped by dozer lines, Crater Road Fire containment remains at 80% and 574 acres, with no fire growth, as of 7 p.m., according to Maui Fire Department (MFD). Dozer crews continued work today to improve fire lines. Firefighting crews from MFD, State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR DOFAW) and National Parks Service (NPS), along with Haleakala Ranch personnel, patrolled the perimeter and addressed hot spots. Helicopters conducted water drops on hot spots identified by personnel on the ground and in steep, inaccessible areas. Air assets also transported personnel and equipment to remote portions of the fire line. Tankers from MFD, County Public Works and Alpha Construction Inc. shuttled water into the operations area throughout the day. Portable N5 sensors have again been deployed to assist in fire detection. An MFD command element, along with an engine, a tanker and an ATV will remain onsite overnight to monitor the perimeter. Nighttime drone flights of the area are also planned. No injuries or structural damages have been reported. Starting tomorrow, 7/17, daily updates will shift to one per day unless conditions change.

RESPONSE

For night operations, MFD command element, engine, tanker and ATV will remain on the scene. Portable N5 sensors. Nighttime drone flights.

CLOSURES

State DLNR DOFAW reopened after 5 a.m. today the Kula Forest Reserve and all Na Ala Hele Trails in the reserve, which was closed 7/12 as a precautionary measure. DLNR DOFAW "encourages all visitors to the forest reserve to use extreme caution to avoid sparking any new fires." Crater Road and Haleakala National Park remain 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. 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. Two emergency advisories to prepare for potential evacuations were posted then lifted hours later. News conferences were held with Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke at the County building on 7/11 and 7/15 to provide updates on the fire.

INFO

Sign up for MEMA alerts at www.mauicounty.gov/MEMA and follow County of Maui on Facebook and Instagram. Find mental health support due to stress, anxiety and trauma from the wildfires at www.mauirecovers.org or by calling the Hawai'I Cares Crisis Line at 988.

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