UPDATE 11 A.M.:
The West Maui fire that killed at least 36 and burned more than 271 structures has been 80 percent contained as of Thursday morning, according to the Maui Fire Department, marking the first time officials have publicly announced containment numbers on the three active fires in Lahaina, Pulehu and Upcountry.
MFD, which conducted an assessment at first light, said it is making progress in fighting the three fires.
In Lahaina, crews further secured the perimeter of wildland areas that burned and are continuing those efforts today, along with patrolling areas where structures burned.
The Pulehu fire, in an area mauka of Kihei, was reported to be 70 percent contained this morning, after heavy equipment was used to create firebreaks through the night. Firefighters are continuing to secure the perimeter this morning.
A containment percentage for the fire Upcountry is pending further assessment this morning. Firefighting efforts focused on two main areas of Olinda and Upper Kula. Crews are continuing efforts to protect structures and extinguish smoldering hot spots. State forestry workers were leading the firefighting effort in the Olinda area. On the Kula side, the fire is most active in gulches that are difficult to access.
UPDATE 9 A.M.:
Mass evacuations of residents and visitors from West Maui are continuing Thursday morning as crews continue to battle a fire that decimated much of Lahaina town.
Bus evacuations resumed at 8:30 a.m. today, with boarding staged at the Whalers Village entryway fronting Kaanapali Parkway, according to Maui County. Visitors are being taken directly to the Kahului Airport, while residents are being taken to a Central Maui shelter.
Three Roberts Hawaii motor coaches, each with a capacity of 49 people, are available. Additional buses will be added based on demand.
The county opened two additional shelters in Central Maui as existing shelters reached capacity. The new shelters are located at King’s Cathedral at 777 Maui Veterans Highway in Kahului, and another at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1300 Maui Lani Parkway in Kahului.
The shelters do not provide bedding, toiletries and personal care owners. Pets brought to the shelters need to be properly restrained.
Maui Fire Department officials planned to conduct an assessment of the fires at first light this morning. Three active fires have been burning in Lahaina, Upcountry and Pulehu since Tuesday.
County officials confirmed 36 deaths so far due to the Lahaina fires and more than 271 structures burned in Lahaina town. The size of the fires and containment numbers have been unavailable, as emergency and government officials say they are focusing on fighting the fires and assessment will come later.
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