A brush fire near Olowalu on Maui forced people out of their homes and is still only partly contained, though the wind is blowing away from houses — a relief for residents who remember the 2023 Lahaina disaster.

• The fire broke out early yesterday afternoon, emergency sirens went off, and part of Olowalu Village was told to leave.
• It has burned more than 100 acres and is about 40% contained, with crews and bulldozers cutting fire breaks to keep flames away from homes.
• Wind is gusting off the mountains but pushing smoke toward the ocean instead of toward houses.
• Hawaiian Electric shut off power lines in the area — one of the changes made after the 2023 Lahaina fire.
• The highway is open again, but blowing smoke and dirt are cutting visibility, and people are being told to stay off the west side if they can.

Outlook: Crews will keep working the fire line, and residents who evacuated are being told not to return until officials say it is safe.