Maui County, Hawaii

Over 100 homes were evacuated in Kahikinui, Maui, due to a rapidly spreading brush fire driven by strong winds.

Officials from Maui County reported that the fire has spread to roughly 500 acres, though thankfully, there have been no reported injuries or property damage as of yet. The precise containment details are still being determined.

The Maui County Fire Department noted that the fire ignited around 10 AM on Sunday.

According to the fire department, “the fire is now being pushed up the mountain under strong winds.”

Initially, the blaze was estimated at about 20 acres before escalating quickly.

As officials explained, the fire is advancing toward challenging terrain, with winds contributing to its spread. The National Weather Service in Honolulu indicated gusts in the area are around 20 mph, with peaks nearing 50 mph.

About an hour after it began, Maui County Emergency Management (MEMA) issued an evacuation order for mile marker 24 in Kahikinui, affecting between 30 and 40 homes.

Residents received notifications through the Genasys Protect App and MEMA alerts, with emergency officials also going door-to-door to inform those affected.

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen signed an emergency declaration to access federal funds in response to the situation. Additionally, Maui police have closed the Pirani Highway (Hawaii Route 31) between mile markers 20 and 41 due to the fire.

The American Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter at Grandma’s Coffee House on the Kula Expressway in Urparacure.

This incident comes less than two years after Maui County faced the most devastating fires in modern American history, marking Hawaii’s worst natural disaster.