VIDEO: Crews on Maui continue to battle a raging brush fire that has scorched roughly 3,000 acres in Haliimaile.
Officials said Thursday that crews have cut a firebreak to protect nearby residents. Residents in Skill Village were told to prepare for evacuations late Wednesday, but officials said the fire is not posing an immediate threat.
At last check, the fire was about half a mile away from the small town in Paia.
The Haliimaile fire forced the closure of several routes on the Valley Isle, and is being fueled by dry brush and fanned by strong winds.
Haleakala Highway remains closed from Hana Highway to Old Haleakala Highway. Haliimaile Road also remains closed. The public is being urged to stay away from the area.
The fire was just 30 percent contained at last check.