Maui fire investigators have determined that fireworks are the cause of the latest wildfire on the Valley Isle.Maui county officials say numerous witnesses reported seeing fireworks in the Happy Valley area in Wailuku moments before the fire broke out at about 8 p.m. Sunday.
"There are eye witnesses who have come forward and said aerials were seen in that specific area where the fire origin is ... And so our investigators have concluded combined with the evidence and the eye witness accounts that fireworks are the cause for this brushfire,” said Mahina Martin, Maui County spokesperson.
Maui Electric cut off power to the area at 10:15 p.m. to protect firefighters.
It was restored at 1:30 a.m.
The fire came dangerously close to several homes but no evacuations were ordered.
"Our fire crews have done an incredible job in protecting the neighborhoods in the surrounding area,” said Martin.
"The fire reached as close as 10 feet to a home and so obviously home owners are nervous,” said Martin.
Eleven engine companies were back on the scene Monday along with Air One conducting water drops.
Fire officials say so far an estimated 24 acres have been burned.
One storage shed was damaged.
No injuries have been reported.
"We are far beyond the 4th of July event and it's unfortunate that fireworks would be the cause this,” said Martin.
"Now that we have determined this to be the cause -- it just leads us to more concern about what else is out there,” said Martin.
County officials say central and south Maui water customers should continue to conserve water until levels in two water tanks located in Happy Valley can be restored.
The fire is still considered active.
