Highway 190 Closed as firefighters battle blaze

North Kona – Highway 190 in North Kona was closed Saturday evening from Puu Lani Ranch to Daniel K Inouye Highway as firefighters from the County, State, PTA and Volunteer Companies were on scene for a brush fire.

The fire burned in an inaccessible area north of Puuanahulu Saturday afternoon and smoke could be seen for miles.

Hawaii County Fire Department Chopper 1 and 2 were making water drops, assisted by a Blackhawk helicopter from PTA. Dozers were called in to create a fire break.

By 6:00 pm the fire was approaching the highway.

The Hawaii County Police Department closed the road so firefighters could fight the slow moving fire.

No structures were in danger. Firefighters expected to be on scene through the night.