Crater Road fire update: MEMA encourages residents to prepare for potential evacuations

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Maui Emergency Management Agency sent an emergency advisory to prepare residents for potential evacuations due to the fire on Crater Road in Maui.

At 4:11 p.m., although no evacuation orders have been given, residents above Kekaulike and Haleakala highways between Upper Kimo and Waipoli roads are encouraged to prepare for potential evacuations.

Fire in a eucalyptus grove on the mauka flank of the burn area has been problematic, according to MEMA.

MFD said the fire grew from 355 acres Friday morning to approximately 550 acres Friday evening.

As of Friday, 8 p.m., fire was extinguished on the south side. The eucalyptus trees are still burning at a slow pace on the east mauka side.

Crater Road and Haleakala National Park remain closed. State DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) closed the Kula Forest Reserve and all Na Ala Hele Trails in the reserve Friday afternoon until further notice as a precautionary measure.

No injuries or structural damages have been reported due to the fire.

More updates will be provided Saturday.