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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) — Crews on Maui continue to battle a stubborn wildfire on the slopes of Haleakala that has burned approximately 550 acres.

The Maui Fire Department said hot spots were detected early Saturday. Windy conditions, with gusts more than 35 mph, have caused embers to fly outside of control lines.

While no evacuation orders are in place, residents above Kekaulike and Haleakala highways between Upper Kimo and Waipoli roads are being urged to prepare to leave quickly if needed.

The Maui Emergency Management Agency has opened the King Kekaulike High School gymnasium as a temporary shelter.

Firefighters are battling the wildfire by air and on the ground.

Authorities said it started about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at the 7,000-foot elevation.

In a news conference Thursday afternoon, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen sought to reassure the public and said the county, state and National Guard are “collectively working together to maximize our resources and most importantly, to keep our community.”

He noted the blaze comes as Maui prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of the Lahaina disaster, which claimed 102 lives and leveled the historic town. “Any fire can be very concerning and distressing to many of us,” Bissen said, at the news conference.

Rising temperatures, strong winds and low humidity are an ongoing concern.

Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura stressed that conditions can change quickly.

“We need everyone to remain vigilant,” he said.

Haleakala National Park is closed to the public and Haleakala Crater Road shut down.

Maui County has activated its emergency operations center to monitor the situation, which has prompted a response from county, state and federal agencies.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, as acting governor, signed an emergency proclamation Thursday morning authorizing the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to assist in emergency response efforts. It also allows the adjutant general to activate the Hawaii National Guard as deemed necessary.

Bissen also signed an emergency proclamation in response to the fire authorizing the county to access federal assistance programs.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.