Makawao brush fire skirts homes
A brush fire in Makawao yesterday afternoon came within 20 feet of homes before Maui firefighters brought it under control.
The fire spread quickly in the dry pasture land, fanned by windy conditions, said Acting Battalion Chief Allen Duarte.
The three-acre fire started at about 4:30 p.m. on Hoomaha Street ad was brought under control at 5:10 p.m. The fire department helicopter assisted crews from Kula, Kahului and Paia, the Fire Department said. While the fire came close to homes, no structures were seriously threatened, a Maui County spokeswoman said.
Maui Police closed nearby Manienie Road temporarily during the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.