Smoke From Wildfire Forces VC Closure

Intense, caustic smoke from a fire on neighboring state land forced a closure of Haleakala National Park’s summit visitor center on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. (local time). Wind shifts funneled the smoke column from the Polipoli State Park fire up the ridge of Haleakala and over the summit, completely enveloping the backcountry and crater wilderness. Visibility dropped  to less than 100 feet. The closure was made to assure the long-term safety and health of both staff and visitors. The Headquarters Visitor Center at 7,000 feet remains open. Ranger programs and demonstrations have been moved to the headquarters area and Hosmer Grove. The summit area and backcountry remain open to the public, but the park is recommending that visitors not go beyond headquarters.