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Published on July 12, 2024
Maui's Crater Road Fire Reaches 50% Containment as Haleakalā Park Closure Continues Despite Emergency Advisory LiftedSource: Google Street View

In a focused response to the Crater Road fire that has charred 355 acres of Maui landscape, the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has lifted the emergency advisory, and now the blaze is reported to be 50% contained as per KITV. Improved accuracy in mapping assessments led to the reduction in acreage estimates, from 420 to 355 acres. As of 7:30 p.m. yesterday, residents of Kekaulike and Haleakala Highways between Upper Kimo and Waipoli Roads are no longer expected to evacuate, but are encouraged to stay informed via radio and television.

Previously, the fire had compelled the closure of Haleakala National Park and blocked Crater Road between mile markers 2 and 10, presenting a concerning scenario as outlined by Hoodline, the fire propagated swiftly, stoked by strong winds but thankfully avoiding damage to homes and structures, even as firefighting crews worked diligently to manage the spread and county officials kept a vigilant survey over the incident, ensuring readiness to escalate their involvement while juggling other logistical challenges like the release of stranded vehicles.

Drones with thermal imaging capabilities played a pivotal role in assessing the fire, allowing for precise detection of hotspots as per an 8 p.m. update on July 11. The effective deployment of such technology facilitated overnight monitoring and containment efforts, as detailed by Maui Now. The combined assignation of resources, including four engines, three wildland engines, 11 tankers, five dozers, and two helicopters alongside crews from both the Maui Fire Department and the state's Division of Foretryside and Wildlife, underscores a collaborative push to neutralize this environmental threat.

With the fire now half-contained, the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park remains closed until further notice, and Crater Road's previous closure persists as a safety measure while personnel continue working on fire lines and extinguishing troublesome hot spots, the community is expected to remain on high alert for any changing conditions that could prompt further actions as they navigate the still unpredictable landscape of a partially tamed but still threatening fire.