(UPDATE) - According to Maui Now and multiple other local news outlets, the fire has now grown to 10,000 acres.
Hawaii Wildfire Management has not provided an updated figure today.
(Original story) - A brush fire on Maui that was reported at 10:42 a.m. on Thursday quickly grew to 3,000 acres throughout the day.
Hawaii Wildfire Management says “many people and animals” have been displaced due to the “fast moving brush fire,” which is burning between Kahului and Kihei.
Vacationing in Maui. Central Valley fire causing highway closures in/out of Kihei. Hope everyone stays safe... #mauifire pic.twitter.com/fEhXX6Xysf
— Melanie Lee N (@MelanieLeeN) July 12, 2019
However, the County of Maui did lift the official evacuation orders overnight, meaning tourists and residents are welcome to return home if they choose.
“This fire is still an active threat to our community, said Michael Victorino, mayor of Maui County. “Residents are urged to remain vigilant of changing conditions.”
Around 2pm from Wailea Beach, the sky is fully covered in thick smoke now. #maui #mauifire #mauibrushfire pic.twitter.com/L5OpsFkdph
— Jessica Cadden (@JessicaKennelly) July 12, 2019
Kahului Airport was closed briefly on Thursday but has since reopened and the county provided bus transportation for a number of people to get to the airport this morning.
Victorino says there’s been no reports of injuries or significant property damage so far.
“The fire came very close to some structures in South Maui, including the Maalaea Power Plant, but firefighters were able to prevent damage,” he said.
North Kihei Road, a main artery through the area, was shut down on Thursday but has since reopened as well.
NowMedia will update this story as more information becomes available.
