HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Winds to 40 mph are fanning the flames of a wildfire on the slopes of Haleakala that’s already burned more than 500 acres and prompted a multi-agency response.
The so-called Crater Road Fire started about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Authorities said the Haleakala National Park summit area is closed as dozens of firefighters battle the blaze.
A road closure is in place between mile markers 8 and 10, and early Thursday officials said the occupants of about 200 vehicles above the impacted area were slowly being allowed to exit.
The fast-moving fire is traveling southeast.
The good news, for now: There are no homes impacted and no evacuation orders in place.
Maui County has activated its emergency operations center to monitor the situation, which has prompted from county, state and federal agencies.
This story will be updated.
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