Two fires break out in Hawaii County

Hawaii county saw two wildfires break out in the morning hours today.

First reported at approximately 7 a.m., a wildland fire broke out in Ka’u near Punalu’u Beach. As of 1 p.m., dispatched Hawaii Fire Department crews and a volunteer crew have contained between 80 and 90%.

A second fire was reported at 10:45 a.m. in South Kohala on Mana road near Parker Ranch land.

“The fire is being fanned by winds and continues to grow,” said Cyrus Johnasen, public information officer for the mayor’s office at 1 p.m. “Firefighting efforts are concentrating on developing containment lines and extinguishing the fire.”

The South Kohala fire has yet to be contained. In Ka’u, the fire has scorched five acres of land as HFD works to completely contain the fire.

Currently, no homes are threatened by either fire, but Hawaii County requests motorists in each area to drive with caution.