HVNP fire now 100% contained
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – The wildfire on the southeast flank of Mauna Loa is 100% contained and is holding at 42.5 acres in size, HVNP announced Tuesday.
Mauna Loa Road remained closed to all public use, and only authorized vehicles are allowed past the gate at Kipukapuaulu until further notice.
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Crews were working to mop up smoldering patches in the interior of the fire. Hotter, windier weather caused flare-ups in grass near the center of the fire.
Firefighters did not get much help from Tropical Storm Darby over the weekend, with less than half an inch of rain on the fire Saturday, and no precipitation since, but are working hard towards full suppression, according to HVNP.
The fire was first reported at 6:09 p.m. on July 11 and started near a power line road at around the 4,800-foot elevation in the park. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
No homes or other structures were damaged.
The burn has impacted habitat for native birds, and a 1,760-foot section of ungulate-proof fence that protects native forest was damaged. Park staff are evaluating needs and planning for rehabilitation.
