A wildfire that erupted Thursday morning on the Hawaii island of Maui burned 10,000 acres and forced thousands to evacuate. Most of the residents returned to their homes Thursday night but the fire is still active in places.
Reported at 10:42 a.m. near the intersection of Waiko Road and Kuihelani Highway, the blaze quickly jumped the Kuihelani Highway, while pushed by 15 to 20 mph winds.
The Fire Department’s two helicopters, Air One and Air Two, dropped water, and private companies and the County Department of Public Works made their dozers available.
The Maui Humane Society evacuated about 200 animals.
So… Maui is on fire. pic.twitter.com/hUlD0GHNfY
— Jason Nerad (@OurFearlessHero) July 12, 2019
For a while Thursday The Kahului Airport lost commercial power and was running on generators. Incoming flights were diverted and 11 motor coaches and school busses were standing by at the airport in case visitors had to be evacuated to shelters.
Roads that had been closed, North Kihei Road, Kuihelani Highway, and Maui Veterans Highway reopened Thursday night.
Opra Winfrey, who owns a home on Maui, allowed County officials access to her private road.
Hi there Jack, Access to the road was given to county officials immediately. This was many hours ago. Hoping for the safety of all. ?? https://t.co/BxsPNUkkJC
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) July 12, 2019
People and animals evacuated as raging fire burns 3,000 acres in Maui https://t.co/Xxm4ixzp6E pic.twitter.com/sRoYcpBTI7
— FOX6 News (@fox6now) July 12, 2019
Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Tom. Typos or errors, report them HERE.
Maybe they need some rakes.