BREAKING — MAUI, HAWAIʻI — Thick plumes of smoke filled the skies above Kaʻanapali as a brush fire erupted just 2 miles from the site of the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfire, which killed over 100 people.

Drone footage captured the intense scene as flames crept dangerously close to developed areas, once again putting West Maui communities on high alert. The blaze is located near the old Sugar Cane Train warehouse, and strong winds have pushed smoke across the Honoapiʻilani Highway, which has been shut down in both directions.

Firefighters are battling to contain the flames, and according to the Maui County Fire Department, the fire is "slowly being contained". Still, officials warn that shifting winds and dry conditions could rapidly change the situation.

Nearly two years after Lahaina’s historic town was reduced to ashes, the same region now faces another fiery threat. Residents and local officials are voicing deep concern over the recurring climate-driven disasters, highlighting the fragile recovery process and the looming threat of repeat tragedy.