PUUNENE, Hawaii (KHON2) — The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for all leeward areas of the Hawaiian Islands, meaning critical wildfire conditions are either occurring now or will shortly.

The warning says,“Provided the lack of any significant rainfall through the summer months, fuels have become very dry across portions of the state. These dry conditions combined with breezy trades and relative humidity’s dipping below 45 percent through the afternoon hours will support extreme fire behavior today.” A wildfire on Maui’s western side, over the weekend, has already consumed 1,500 acres.

According to MFD, the brush fire first reported Sunday afternoon is now considered 95 percent contained.

A brush fire that broke out just after 1 p.m. in Central Maui on Aug. 30 has grown into a 1,500-acre fire.

However, as of 6 p.m. Maui firefighters reported that the blaze is now about 85 percent contained.

When the fire first sparked, it quickly grew and authorities evacuated the Maui Humane Society Puunene shelter and the Central Maui Baseyard.

(Courtesy of Maui 24/7)

The Maui Humane Society wrote online about their evacuation to Maui High School and assured that all of the animals are safe.

The fire happened near the old Puunene School and the Puunene Post Office. Multiple Maui Fire Department units responded to the scene, along with several helicopters. Heavy equipment were also brought to the scene to cut firebreaks.

“We continue to keep our eye on this fast-moving fire and ask everyone to stay away from this area for the safety of yourself and our first responders,” Mayor Michael Victorino said.

Maui Veterans Highway between Hansen Road and North Kihei Road is no longer closed.

(Courtesy of Maui 24/7)