LAHAINA, Maui — A fire within the Pana'ewa section of the West Maui Natural Area Reserve has been contained, the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife said.

A crew of 13 forestry workers began removing equipment from the area yesterday but will continue to monitor the fire. "Light rains are falling in the upper reaches of the fire area and should help keep it contained, Department of Land and Natural Resources Chairman Peter Young said.

The brushfire, which started Sunday above the Puamana subdivision, burned 1,350 acres, including 29 acres are in the forest reserve and 91 in the Pana'ewa section.

Maui County Fire Department helicopters concentrated their efforts along the Puehuehu ridge, where a hot spot continues to smolder.

"The area of concern now is a very steep and narrow ridge on private land next to the Puehuehu section of the West Maui Forest Reserve. This area is inaccessible to fire crews. We will continue to monitor this area, along with Maui County Fire Department, and if the situation should warrant, a helicopter can be used to drop water," Young said.

The DLNR is advising people to avoid the area due to the risk of encountering hot spots. Officials said smoke may be observed during the day or a glow at night from the fire remnants.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.