Evacuations ordered during Kahikinui brush fire

Evacuation orders were issued by Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for residents near Mile Marker 24 and 25 of Kahikinui due to a mid-morning brush fire being fueled by strong winds.

Residents are being told to head makai of the highway for evacuations. The evacuation orders were issued around 11 a.m. through the new Genasys Protect app and MEMA alerts, as well as door-to-door evacuations by emergency officials.

Reported at 9:54 a.m., the Kahikinui brush fire is estimated to be up to 20 acres mauka of the highway and currently moving upslope, according to County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety (MFD). There is no containment at this time.

Three engine companies, three minis, two tankers, battalion chief and Air One are responding. Air Two and Three are en route, along with two additional fire crews. Public Works tankers and heavy equipment from private contractors are also en route, according to MFD.