LIST: These are all the active fires burning on Maui and Hawaii Island
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Weary fire crews are grappling with several out-of-control wildfires on Maui and Hawaii Island, where powerful winds are driving flames from one community to another.
The biggest blaze is believed to be in Lahaina, where much of the historic center is believed destroyed. Hundreds of people fled the flames, some barely get out in time.
Eyewitnesses described an apocalyptic scene in Lahaina town, where residents were forced to jump into the harbor waters to avoid fast-moving flames.
Meanwhile in Kula, fire crews are battling a large wildfire.
Mayor Richard Bissen said at least two homes were damaged and more than 1,000 acres burned. Officials said at least 80 people were evacuated in the area.
Fire crews are advising immediate proactive evacuations for:
- Residents of Holopuni and Pulehu roads in Kula
- Subdivisions north and south of Lipoa Parkway
- Maui Meadows and Ohukai subdivision in Kihei.
- And a reported fire in Waikapu.
As of 6:30 a.m., Maui County officials said Kihei residents can now return home.
Here’s a list of all of the open shelters on Maui:
- Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani
- Maui High School Gym in Kahului
- Officials said at least 1,200 taking shelter at the high school.
- War Memorial Gym in Wailuku
- King’s Cathedral
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
- Kahului Airport
- 1,800 people sheltered in place overnight at the airport with many west side highways closed. The state Transportation Department worked with airlines/TSA to shelter passengers for safety’s sake as wildfires continue to burn in Lahaina and Upcountry.
Officials said shelters are approaching capacity but are still taking in people as needed. Remember, shelters do not provide bedding, toiletries or personal care items.
Meanwhile, there’s good news on Hawaii Island: All brush fires have been contained, evacuation orders have been lifted and all road are now back open to traffic.
Officials say shelters at Hisaoka Gym in North Kohala and the Waimea Community Center are now closed.
In the meantime, Hawaii County police are searching for a possible suspect after launching an arson investigation in Kau Wednesday morning.
Officers found an incendiary device near a quarter acre scorched on the west side of Mill Camp Road.
Police are now looking for a man driving a green ATV.
Officials also warn everyone that the fire danger remains high so be cautious.
On Wednesday, multiple brushfires were burning along the South Kohala coastline.
At the time, Akoni Pule Highway brushfire was roughly 60% contained and remained a threat to structures in the southern portion of Kohala Ranch between Kamakani Loop and the highway.
Officials said access was available to the northern portion of Kohala Ranch, above Kamakani Loop, via Kohala Mountain Road. Akoni Pule Highway remained closed between the 6 and 17-mile markers.
Multiple fires in the Mauna Kea Beach area continued to threaten structures, with one support structure having sustained significant damages.
Guests at the Mauna Kea Resort sheltered in place for hours. Emergency Medical personnel were on the scene to monitor the situation and provide medical services if needed. Access to the resort area remained closed until further notice.
Queen Kaahumanu Highway is closed between the 69-mile marker and the Kawaihae Road Junction.
A flare-up near Spencer’s Beach Park was also reported. Campers in the area were evacuated as a precaution prior to any threats in the immediate area.
Hawaii County said fire crews were on the scene at all incidents and working to contain the fires. Individuals in and around the area were told to remain on high alert.
Shelters were opened at Hisaoka Park in Kapaau and Waimea Community Center in Kamuela. Additional shelters may be opened based on need.
This story will be updated.
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