A brush fire in West Maui’s Olowalu Village area that burned more than 100 acres over the weekend prompted an evacuation order for residents from Luawai to Ehehene Streets on Saturday.
On Monday morning, mandatory evacuation orders were lifted, and emergency officials said the fire was 95% contained. Residents were told they could return home but were advised to use caution as smoke impacts could continue, and fire crews were still working on the scene.
High winds fuel blaze
The fire was first reported just before 2 p.m. Saturday, and the Maui Emergency Management Agency said sirens were sounded at 2:40 p.m.
No structural damage or injuries were reported, according to officials.
Amid high winds caused by Hurricane Nolo, ground crews worked to control the blaze Saturday while helicopters made water drops from the air until sunset, when the fire was about 40% contained.
Road closures and smoke
Honoapiʻilani Highway was closed from North Kīhei to Olowalu General Store for much of Saturday afternoon and evening, leaving drivers stuck in backed-up traffic. The smoke, high winds and road closure brought concern and feelings of panic to many Lahaina residents who experienced similar conditions during the 2023 wildfire, as they shared on social media.
The highway reopened around 10:30 p.m. with motorists advised to use caution when traveling through the area.
Maui Fire Department continued control efforts through the night.
Dangerous winds over 60 miles an hour on Sunday prevented helicopters from safely dropping water on the fire from the air, while the fire department continued to work on the ground.
Power outages
Hawaiian Electric deenergized power lines from Ukumehame to Lahainaluna Road surrounding the Olowalu brushfire, and about 740 customers were without power Saturday night. Hawaiian Electric said the outage was not a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
Early Sunday morning, severe weather caused more power outages from Lahaina to Kapalua. More than 12,000 Maui customers were without power across the island on Sunday, including Haʻikū and Upcountry areas.
About 10,000 impacted customers in West Maui were advised they would likely be out of power until at least Monday afternoon.
Once the Olowalu fire is out and weather improves, crews need to inspect lines and equipment and make any required repairs before power will be restored.
South Maui Community Park Gym in Kīhei opened as a temporary evacuation point to offer a safe gathering area on Saturday.
The Lahaina Civic Center Gym also opened Saturday as an emergency shelter for those who had to evacuate, with charging stations for personal electronics, according to Maui County. It remains open on Monday with Starlink satellite internet connectivity available.
Cell phone service is intermittent in West Maui during continuing power outages.
