Hawaii Fire Department reports County, State and Federal fire crews continue to fight the brush fire located mauka of Hwy 190 and north of Old Saddle Road in Hamakua District. The fire has consumed over 36,000 acres and at least one residential home has been destroyed in Pu’u Kapu.
On evacuations and closures; the communities of Pu’u Kapu Hawaiian Homesteads and Waikii Ranch are under mandatory evacuation orders.
Highway 190 from Waimea Airport to the Waikoloa Road Junction and the Old Saddle Road are closed. Please use alternate routes. Additional roadways may be impacted and close without notice.
Winds are forecasted to increase throughout the day and make fire suppression efforts difficult. Communities in Waikoloa Village South Kohala are requested to be on the alert for changing wind conditions, review your evacuation plans and be prepared to evacuate if fire threat or smoke impacts your area. You are requested to take this time to make fire prevention measures to your property such as removing exposed fuels of dry vegetation, trash and other items that could catch fire.
Stay tuned to your radio for updates and changes in conditions.
UPDATE: Residents in the Waikoloa area should remain on heightened alert as the fire is nearing HWY 190. Although no evacuations are planned at this time, wind speeds are erratic and can shift at any time.