Evacuations ordered in Hawaii as winds spread Maui brush fire to estimated 2,000 acres

Evacuations ordered in Hawaii as winds spread fire

MAALAEA, Hawaii — About 100 people were evacuated Tuesday in Hawaii as a brush fire whipped by winds gusting to 40 mph continued to spread in the Maalaea area of Maui.

County spokeswoman Mahina Martin said Tuesday afternoon that the evacuees included residents, shoreline campers, people parked at a scenic lookout and employees at the Kaheawa Wind Farm. The American Red Cross opened shelters at the War Memorial Gym in Wailuku and the Lahaina Civic Center in West Maui.

The blaze that covered an estimated 2,000 acres forced the closure of a stretch of Honoapiilani Highway.

There have been no reports of injuries from the fire reported Monday night. The cause is unknown.

Five helicopters are dropping water on the flames.