FEMA Assistance for West Maui Fire

Press Release

Maui fire fighters battling a fast moving brush fire that has scorched more than 2,000 acres in the West Maui Mountains will receive federal aid, Senators Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka announced today.

The Fire Management Assistance Grant will be funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant was requested by the state yesterday and approved this morning.

"I am closely monitoring the Maui fire and my thoughts and prayers are with the residents and the fire fighters battling this blaze," said Senator Inouye. "I am pleased that our Federal Emergency Management Agency has quickly responded to the critical needs of Maui residents."

"I commend Maui's fire fighters and emergency officials for their coordinated effort to contain the fire above Maalaea and protect neighboring communities," said Senator Akaka. "I am pleased that FEMA will be providing funding through its Fire Management Assistance Grant program to help Maui sustain an effective response."

About 100 people were evacuated Tuesday including residents, shoreline campers, people parked at a scenic lookout and employees at the Kaheawa Wind Farm. The American Red Cross opened shelters at the War Memorial Gym in Wailuku and the Lahaina Civic Center in West Maui. The fire also forced the closure of a stretch of Honoapiilani Highway.

The fire started Monday night on the mauka side of the highway near Waikapu. By Tuesday morning it was burning toward Ukumehame out of control.

The FEMA grant will help offset costs incurred by the county and state.

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