UPDATE: Thursday 7:40 a.m.

Firefighters continue to battle a Kihei brush fire that is 80% contained this morning, according to the Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety

Officials said at 7 a.m. that firefighting crews, aided by light winds, worked through the night to reinforce containment lines and extinguish hot spots. They continue their efforts this morning working to improve containment and address hot spots.

The cause of the fire appears to be accidental but remains under investigation, Maui County officials said

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Maui County firefighters were battling a brush fire reported at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the North Kihei area.

The fire, estimated at 35 acres, started on vacant land south of Ohukai Road and mauka of Piilani Highway, according to county officials. Containment was estimated at 50 percent as of 8 p.m.

Progression of the fire has been stopped. Crews are cutting containment lines mauka of the fire and conducting mop-up operations along the perimeter.

No injuries or structural damages have been reported, but residents in the area makai of Piilani Highway, and between Ohukai and Waipuilani Roads, are advised to remain vigilant. Kulanihakoi High School was evacuated as a precaution.

The Maui Emergency Management Agency advises community members with respiratory concerns to stay indoors with windows closed, or leave the area. MEMA also advises avoiding the area if possible, and monitoring radio, TV and mobile devices for official information.

MEMA’s Emergency Operations Center was partially activated at 4:22 p.m. Three engines, one wildland engine, two tankers, an Air 1 helicopter and two private dozers are battling the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.