A fire that started in an area above the windmills near Maalaea on Maui had burned approximately 95 acres as of this morning, according to state Department of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) officials.

Officials at the scene reported that the winds subsided to as low as 0-2 mph overnight and occasional mists provided moisture, the fire had not been contained as of this morning.

The blaze, which was reported at 5:09 p.m. Thursday, reached an area approximately 2 miles above the Ukumehame Firing Range.

The fire burned portions of a threatened and endangered species habitat, but it is unknown if any species were affected. Sixteen DOFAW personnel and 11 county wildland firefighters battled the blaze aided by 2 helicopters conducting water drops. Wind farm workers used a 4,000-gallon water tanker to shuttle water to the scene.

"Fighting a fire in this area has presented extreme challenges because of the topography", said John Cumming, district manager for Maui DOFAW. Steep cliffs and loose rolling rocks added to the conditions fire crews were faced with, Cummings said.

"The rough terrain made accessibility difficult for firefighters," said David Thyne, acting battalion chief with the Maui County Fire Department.

No injuries have been reported, no residential areas are nearby, and no roads have been closed.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.