A Maui brush fire increased by an extra 300 acres today after a flare-up Wednesday afternoon jumped firebreaks on the perimeter at Kahikinui.

The flare-up brings the total to 5,600 acres of brush burned since it was first reported at 5:40 p.m. Feb. 15, fire officials said.

On Thursday, firefighters used the Fire Department helicopter and two additional choppers from Pacific Helicopter Tours to conduct water drops on flare-ups and hotspots. t the 4,200 foot elevation.

About 30 Maui County firefighters and State Division of Forestry and Wildlife fire crews were mopping up the flare-up area. They will continue again today.

A crew of firefighters were to be standing watch overnight to monitor for any flare-ups.