An eight-acre blaze started Thursday afternoon a half-mile before the Polipoli Springs state park entrance, said Department of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman Deborah Ward.

The fire was reported contained and forestry crews were expected to have it under control by the end of the day, she said.

"Current upper leeward Haleakala weather conditions are resulting in rapid drying of forest materials, which may be contributing to fire starts," said John Cumming, DLNR's Maui forestry branch chief in a statement. "This is why the Kula Forest Reserve will remain closed for a month, in the interest of public safety."