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Maui firefighters contain Ukumehame brushfire

COURTESY MFD
                                MFD used its Air 1 helicopter made water drops in areas of heavy fire with limited access in Ukumehame Tuesday.
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COURTESY MFD

MFD used its Air 1 helicopter made water drops in areas of heavy fire with limited access in Ukumehame Tuesday.

UPDATE

Maui County officials said as of 8:05 p.m. Tuesday, the brushfire was 75% contained as of 8:05 p.m. Tuesday.

The Maui Emergency Management Agency also changed name of the incident to Ukumehame brushfire from the Olowalu brushfire to clarify the area impacted.

Crews remained on scene overnight to monitor the area.

The brushfire was first reported Tuesday morning near 550 Ehehene St.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Maui firefighters battled a Tuesday brushfire at Olowalu which burned about 10 acres, according to authorities.

The Maui Emergency Management Agency said the fire was reported at about 10:45 a.m. near 550 Ehehene St.

MEMA said there was no impact to nearby Honoapiilani Highway.

Maui Fire Department said crews were dispatched at about 10:47 a.m. and arrived to find a fire spreading from a grassy area into heavier brush and trees.

MFD said its Air 1 helicopter made water drops in areas of heavy fire with limited access, and that progress of the fire was stopped by 1 p.m. Crews are using heavy equipment to cut a break around the fire’s perimeter.

Alpha Construction and Goodfellow Bros. also assisted by providing tanks and heavy equipment, MFD said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

”Avoid the area if possible to continue to allow MFD to work safely,” said MEMA in an alert. “Monitor radio, TV, and mobile devices for official information. Prepare yourself and your family to evacuate if notified by County officials.”

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