FILE - In this Nov. 29, 2018 file photo, Oprah Winfrey smiles during a tribute to Nelson Mandela and promoting gender equality event at University of Johannesburg in Soweto, South Africa. Winfrey surprised the Maui Humane Society with a visit to thank the organization for evacuating animals during a wildfire. The Maui News reported Saturday, July 13, 2019, that Winfrey is a part-time Maui resident who only visited briefly Saturday, thanking a volunteer and taking a photo outside with the organization’s sign. A Maui Humane Society official says Winfrey is a society supporter. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File)
Oprah Winfrey visits Maui Humane Society following wildfire
WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — Oprah Winfrey surprised the Maui Humane Society with a visit to thank the organization for evacuating animals during a wildfire.
The Maui News reported Saturday that Winfrey is a part-time Maui resident who visited briefly Saturday, thanking a volunteer and taking a photo outside with the organization's sign.
A Maui Humane Society official says Winfrey is a society supporter.
Officials say more than 200 animals were evacuated Thursday after a brush fire started in Maui's southern area.
Officials say the fire came close to the Human Society's building in Puunene.
Winfrey also gave permission Thursday for emergency officials to use a private road on her property if it was needed to evacuate residents and visitors.
Maui County spokesman Chris Sugidono says Winfrey's road ultimately was not used.
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Information from: The Maui News, http://www.mauinews.com