In Central Maui, 6 ‘suspicious’ brush fires in less than 2 hours leave firefighters scrambling

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Firefighters are monitoring six “suspicious” brush fires on Maui that were fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, prompting fears they would get out of control.

The fires in Central Maui were all reported between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The good news is firefighters say they have control of the flames for now.

“It spread our resources thin and fortunately, we were able to overcome it,” said Hanale Lindo, Maui Fire Department’s assistant chief of operations.

He added that the fires “absolutely seem suspicious.”

“If you look at the grass, it’s extra brown. So you add those conditions with absolutely strong winds, it’s a recipe for disaster. It’s a little flame and it’s going,” he said.

In one of the fires, flames briefly triggered evacuations of homes at Wailuku Country Estates.

Fire crews said that blaze was roughly 90% contained by 5 p.m., and had burned about three acres.

The sixth fire reported closed Maui Veterans Highway, and burned about five acres.

The highway has since reopened.

Maui County officials said there were no injuries from the flames and no reports of damage. Authorities are continuing to investigate.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Copyright 2022 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.