UPDATE 6:00 P.M. – Maui Veterans (Mokulele) Highway has been reopened as Maui Fire Department continues to contain the Puunene fire.

MFD reported that the estimated 1,500-acre fire is approximately 85 percent contained.

Three helicopters and multiple MFD units have responded to the blaze that started around 1:00 p.m. in the vicinity of the old Puunene School and Puunene Post Office. Several pieces of heavy equipment were dispatched to cut firebreaks.

No additional evacuations are expected. The Maui Humane Society Puunene shelter and Central Maui Baseyard were evacuated earlier in the afternoon.

“Our fire department did a remarkable job to contain this fast-moving fire and limiting its spread,” Mayor Michael Victorino said. “We want to mahalo our firefighters, police officers and all our partners for keeping our community safe and protected.”

###