HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow)- Thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate areas of Kihei and Maalaea as firefighters work to control a brush fire that is burning out of control in Central Maui.
Authorities are directing those impacted by the flames to seek shelter at the War Memorial Gymnasium. A second shelter, the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center, was scheduled to open at 5 p.m. Thursday.
[
Click here for more information about where to evacuate if you’re impacted by the flames.
]
In a press conference Thursday afternoon, authorities said the Kamalii School shelter was full at this time — but also that as it continued to get later in the day, there were other major concerns.
“We are going to do everything possible, because once it gets dark and we haven’t been able to contain this fire, we’re in trouble. We’re in deep trouble,” said Maui Mayor Mike Victorino.
By late in the day, as the flames became dangerous enough to warrant evacuations, Victorino said it might only be a matter of time before the situation became dire.
“然后我们得搬家,我觉得火大artment will have to move into a protect mode, to protect property and lives,” the mayor said.
The fire began burning Thursday morning, and authorities closed Kuihelani Highway between Honoapiilani Highway and Maui Lani Parkway because of the fire response.
By about 2:30 p.m., the fire had grown out of control and was deemed dangerous enough to warrant emergency evacuations. Emergency alerts were sent to mobile phones from emergency management officials that read: “KIHEI RESIDENTS NORTH OF OHUKAI RD EVACUATE NOW. KAMALII SCHOOL SHELTER OPEN NOW.”
Just more than an hour later, at around 3:45 p.m., residents of Maalaea ― located due west of the initial evacuation ― were also told to seek shelter immediately.
Maui County officials say their Emergency Operations Center has been activated, and they’re warning residents across the island that the fire could have widespread impacts.
“We are asking everyone to conserve energy, conserve water, and do what you can to be prepared," Mayor Victorino said. "If you need to evacuate please be aware of what’s going on around you.”
In addition to the smoke and traffic impact, Maui Electric Company officials say parts of South Maui are experiencing an outage as a result of the fire.
Winds fanning the flames were estimated to be blowing between 15 and 20 miles per hour, with higher gusts. At least two helicopters were reported to be conducting water drops in the area.
The cloud of smoke from the fire is so big it can be seen from outer space, the National Weather Service says.
For a period early Thursday afternoon, the most immediate danger appeared to have been to be at the Maui Humane Society, where officials were forced to evacuate several hundred animals away from the area.
Though the animals are now all reported to be safe, the humane society took to social media earlier Thursday to ask for help from the community to bring supplies and to help transport the animals to the Maui High School parking lot.
This story will continue to be updated.
