Fast-moving brush fire sends nearly 500 to shelters

LAHAINA — Nearly 500 people took shelter after strong winds fueled a fast-moving brush fire in the steep mountains above the Maui community of Maalaea.

The Maui News reports the fire burned more than 6 square miles (16 sq. kilometers), but no injuries were reported in the Wednesday blaze.

Maui County spokesman Christopher Sugidono says about 450 people took shelter at Maui High School and another 22 sheltered at Princess Nahienaena Elementary School, both in Lahaina. The shelters closed Thursday morning, and both schools were to be open as normal.

Sugidono said fire size and containment figures will be updated later Thursday.

Fire crews were attending to hot spots along Honoapiilani Highway and helping protect Maalaea, located about 15 miles (24 kilometers) southeast of Lahaina.