UPDATE: North Kona/South Kohala fire grows to 10,000-plus acres
UPDATE
The U.S. Army reports that the brush fire burning near boundary line of North Kona and South Kohala has grown to 10,000-plus acres.
ADVERTISING
The fire, as of about 11:30 a.m. today, was burning in a westerly direction and nearing Highway 190, according to the U.S. Army.
Earlier in the day, fire officials said the blaze, which broke out Wednesday in the southwestern portion of Pohakuloa Training Area, was about a mile from Highway 190 and 3 miles from Puuanahulu.
More than 30 firefighters are currently battling the blaze. They are being assisted with water bucket drops by three Army helicopters and two Hawaii County helicopters. Six bulldozers, including county, federal and private assets, are working to contain the fire.
Winds are currently blowing around 30 mph.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The U.S. Army stated there is still no threat to civilian communities or infrastructure.
“Safety of community is paramount so we are trying all to contain it,” the Army said.
PREVIOUSLY
The Hawaii Fire Department reports a brush fire that started yesterday in the Pohakuloa Training Area spread overnight to an area one mile from Highway 190 and three miles from Puuanahulu in North Kona.
No structures are threatened and all roads are open at this time.
The National Weather Service has extended the fire weather red flag warning through Thursday evening for the Kohala, Kona and Ka‘u districts. A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Strong, gusty trade winds, dry fuel, and low relative humidity could produce extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop will likely rapidly spread and be difficult to control.
Please drive with caution on Highway 190 and Daniel K Inouye Highway due to fire personnel and heavy equipment working in the area to establish fire breaks and conducting fire suppression.
