Maui County Fire Department

The Maui County Fire Department (MCFD) is responsible for emergency response across Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi, providing fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services across the tri-island county. With stations spread across remote and urban areas, the department plays a vital role in handling both everyday emergencies and large-scale disasters.

For years, MCFD maintained the only publicly operated helicopter on the islands, a key asset in search and rescue, wildfire suppression, and medical evacuations. This made it an essential resource not just for fire response but also for supporting law enforcement when needed. During the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, MCFD personnel were on the frontlines battling intense blazes under extreme conditions. Their air crews flew continuous water drop missions under hazardous visibility, often in coordination with state and federal assets. In the aftermath, MCFD worked closely with other agencies to improve coordination, communications, and resource sharing. Despite limited funding and geography-related challenges, the department has continuously upgraded its capabilities. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Maui County’s emergency preparedness and public safety infrastructure.

Windward Aviation has been the longtime contractor for Maui County.