As of Thursday morning, Maui County reports the Lahaina fire is now 80% contained after the Maui Fire Department reported progress in the Lahaina fire, along with fires in Pulehu and Upcountry Maui.

What You Need To Know

  • Maui County reports Lahaina fire is 80% contained, Pulehu fire is 70% contained while the Upcountry fire is still being assessed

  • Entry into Lahaina remains restricted; departing motorists can access Honoapiilani Highway or drive through Waihee

  • Lahaina remains without power as work crews clear roads of debris

  • Buses continue to transport visitors to Kahului Airport from the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and Whalers Village

Firefighting crews worked to secure the perimeter of areas that burned in Lahaina on Wednesday and continues the work Thursday, along with patrolling areas of burned structures, according to a news release.

A flyover of Lahaina town by Civil Air Patrol on Wednesday showed over 270 structures impacted by fire.

The Pulehu fire is reported as being 70% contained Thursday morning after heavy equipment created firebreaks throughout Wednesday night. Firefighters are continuing work to secure the perimeter Thursday morning.

A measure of the Upcountry fire is pending assessment Thursday morning as fire crews focus on the two main areas of Olinda and Upper Kula. They’re continuing efforts to protect structures and extinguish smoldering hot spots.

State forestry workers are heading the firefighting effort in Olinda, while on the Kula side, the fire is active in difficult-to-access gulches.

Officials continue to restrict entry into Lahaina with Lahaina-bound vehicles stopped on Honoapiilani Highway at Maalaea. Motorists departing West Maui can access Honoapiilani Highway, as well as go through Waihee. Only Kahakuloa residents can access the village through Waihee.

Lahaina remains without power as state and county crews work to clear roads and other areas of trees and debris.

On Thursday, buses continue to transport visitors from the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and Whalers Village to Kahului Airport. The airport reported 1,400 people staying overnight Wednesday while waiting to board departing flights Thursday morning. Airlines have also added additional flights for departing visitors.

About 1,050 people sheltered overnight at evacuation centers set up at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku, Maui High School in Kahului, and Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. Another 300 residents and visitors overnighted at emergency shelters at King’s Cathedral Maui in Kahului and The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Maui Lani. Visitors were taken to the airport in the morning.

People trying to locate loved ones can contact the American Red Cross hotline at 1-800-733-2767.