A wind-whipped fire in Ka’u has grown to 2,500 acres as of 2 p.m. today, creating a lot of smoke for residents of Pahala and forcing the closure of Highway 11 near the 49-mile marker. A wind-whipped fire in Ka‘u
A wind-whipped fire in Ka‘u has grown to 2,500 acres as of 2 p.m. today, creating a lot of smoke for residents of Pahala and forcing the closure of Highway 11 near the 49-mile marker.
Another brush fire uphill from Pahala has burned at least 400 acres, although that one is moving slowly.
No structures have been destroyed and no injuries have been reported. Firefighters are working to protect a Ka‘u coffee business off Highway 11.
Fire crews are trying to bulldoze a break on the southern edge of the fire.
Ka‘u Hospital remains evacuated, and summer school has been canceled at Ka‘u High and Pahala Elementary.
The cause of the fire has not been determined, officials say.
Expect intermittent closures of Highway 11 as work continues to contain the fire.
“Road closures and slowdowns are possible through the day,” police said at 6:21 a.m. today in a Nixle text message alert. “Avoid the area if possible.”
Police then announced the highway was to be closed in both directions at 1:14 p.m. at the 49-mile marker. Pahala was still accessible from Naalehu, though.
