Hawaii fire: Maui under threat as HUGE fire sweeps Pukalani - 2,500 acres ablaze still out
HAWAII is facing serious threat as firefighters scramble to bring a large brush fire under control.
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The huge brush fire in Hawaii has grown exponentially in the last several hours. Maui firefighters are trying to battle flames and difficult conditions as they try to control the flames. The blaze broke out at 1.53pm HST on Thursday, August 1 (12.53am BST August 2) and it has only grown with the help of strong winds.
Firefighters in Maui, Hawaii, were trying to tackle the intense and widespread fires in Pukalani on Thursday night.
The fire started at 1.53pm HST (12.53am BST) on the Kihei side of Haleakala Highway below Pukalani and by 5pm HST (4am BST) it had already burned more than 2,500 acres into the Central Valley.
The fires burned into the night and the widespread flames could be seen for miles with thick smoke filling the air.
The weather in the area is hot and dry and a wind advisory is currently in effect warning against wind gusts of more than 20mph.
The Maui Fire Department are implementing various methods in a bid to contain the fire, such as using controlled burns to improve the perimeter lines.
Maui Mayor Michael Victorino said: ““This is a very fast-moving fire that remains un-contained so I ask all of our residents and visitors to stay out of the area.
“Our first responders are working diligently and I ask everyone to be cautious and stay informed.”
Fire crews are attempting to put out spot fires ahead of the main fire, while private companies are on the scene using bulldozers to cut fire breaks.
At least 11 Maui Fire Department units have been dispatched to help with the blaze, including three helicopters who have been making water drops.
In a statement the fire department said: “Air One, Two and Three have been deployed to the fire.
“Two engine companies, two tankers, a battalion chief, an assistant chief and the fire chief have also responded.
“Bulldozers and other equipment from Goodfellow Bros., Mahi Pono and other groups are assisting the fire department.”
So far, the fire has not prompted any evacuations or threatened any homes.
However, authorities are asking residents to pay close attention and heed any emergency warnings.
Weather alerts have been issued to Hawaii by the US National Service following the path of two nearby hurricanes.
The NWS issued a Tropical Storm Warning on Thursday evening, downgraded from a Hurricane Warning posted four hours earlier, Xinhua news agency reported.
At 11pm HST (10am BST) Hurricane Erick was located around 230 miles from Hilo and 365 miles from Honolulu tracking west-northwest with sustained winds of 65mph.
Whereas Hurricane Flossie was located around 1,240 miles east of Hilo with maximum sustained winds of 70mph tracking west-northwest.