Mandatory evacuations issued for some Wailuku residents due to Piihana fire

WAILUKU, Hawaii (KHON2) — A fast-moving brush fire in Piihana has prompted a mandatory evacuation for some Wailuku neighborhoods.

The evacuation comes after the Maui Fire Department received reports of four fires in the Piihana Farms area around 9:15 a.m.

Six fire engines, two tankers, fire officials and multiple private tankers responded to the incident, with Air 1 on standby.

Officials said nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution prior to the mandatory evacuation.

Voluntary evacuations were implemented for those living in Happy Valley and Wailuku Country Estates. The voluntary evacuation was lifted at 12:32 p.m. on Monday.

According to Maui County, evacuees have been directed to Keopuolani Regional Park where they are asked to follow directions from emergency personnel.

MFD units are currently at the scene to contain the fires. Crews were able to halt the forward progress of the fire around 11:30 a.m. on Monday.

In a noon update, Maui fire officials said the fire has been 90% contained at approximately four acres.

“MEMA has been partially activated and Wireless Emergency Alerts have been sent to impacted residents,” Maui County said in a news release.

To reach MEMA’s emergency call line, Wailuku area residents can call (808) 270-7285.