With the threat of a raging brushfire on Maui Island, Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green issued an emergency evacuation order to the Anapuni Loop and West Mahipulu Place.
In his Instagram post, he urged those in the affected areas to evacuate with their families and pets immediately.
Fortunately, firefighters were able to contain the fire soon after it started so that no additional threats or evacuation orders were necessary.
KA'ANAPALI: Evacuation order on Maui Island for Anapuni Lp to West Mahipulu due to a brushfire. Evacuate you family and pets now, do not delay. Expect conditions that may make driving difficult and watch for public safety personnel operating in the area. pic.twitter.com/OmZf21t34c
— Hawaii EMA (@Hawaii_EMA) August 26, 2023
Governor Green took to social media again shortly after issuing the initial evacuation order and updated residents on the status of the brushfire.
He wrote that firefighters had managed to stop its forward progress and confirmed there were no further threats or evacuations required at this time.
Maui County also posted an alert via social media about the Level 3 evacuation order which was in place for a time but later revoked when officials deemed it safe for residents to return home.
— Governor Josh Green (@GovJoshGreenMD) August 26, 2023
Maui County’s official social media pages also issued an emergency alert regarding the brushfire situation on Maui Island.
The alert stated that a level 3 evacuation was in effect for Anapuni Loop to West Mahipulu Place as firefighters worked hard to contain it before it got out of hand.
Thankfully, they were successful in stopping any further spread and declared that no additional threats or evacuations were necessary at this time according to MFD officials.
"Evacuation Orders still remain in effect, and officials advise evacuees should stay clear of the area until it is safe to return. Residents will be advised when evacuation orders have been lifted." 2/2
— Hawaii EMA (@Hawaii_EMA) August 27, 2023
Despite having contained the fire quickly, MFD officials warned local residents that they should remain vigilant as firefighters are still working in close proximity of where it started and could reignite if not monitored closely enough.
It is important for all citizens living nearby areas prone to fires like these, such as Kaanapali area, to take extra precautionary measures when possible such as keeping flammable materials away from open flames among other safety tips outlined by Governor Green himself on his Instagram page last week prior to this incident taking place.
This is a developing story with new details continuing to come in.