All evacuation orders triggered by a massive wildfire in Central Maui were lifted Thursday night, but the mayor of Maui County warned residents to remain on alert because the fire is still posing a threat.
It’s estimated that the fire burned approximately 10,000 acres of old sugar cane fields and dry vegetation, according to the latest official update. The fire is still considered “uncontained” and firefighters are continuing to monitor the flames.
Even though Mayor Michael Victorino described the fire as an “active threat,” his office said residents were allowed to return to their homes because the conditions have gotten safe enough, partly due to the winds dying down Thursday night.
All emergency shelters were closed on Friday morning. But officials said shelters at the War Memorial Complex and Kamalii Elementary School may reopen if conditions worsen.