Brush fire still around 10,000-plus acres, no structures threatened

Update: State and federal officials report that the brush fire burning near the boundary line of North and South Kohala remained about 10,000-plus acres in size as of about 2 p.m. Thursday.

Update: The U.S. Army reports that the brush fire burning near the boundary line of North Kona and South Kohala has grown to 10,000-plus acres.

The fire, as of about 11:30 a.m. Thursday, 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 whipped up Wednesday from an ongoing fire 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.

“This fire is very significant and it is taking this entire team of first responders to collectively contain its advances,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Cronin, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa Training Area.

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.

“Working with the team of first responders here, our number one priority is the safety and well-being of the local community,” Cronin said. “The weather conditions are making this fight difficult to slow the advance of the fire, and our combined efforts are working to prevent it from reaching or crossing Highway 190.”

Original post:

Firefighters are battling a large brush fire that broke out Wednesday in Pohakuloa Training Area.

As of about 9 a.m. Thursday, the brush fire had consumed about 5,000 acres and was located about 1 mile mauka of Highway 190 and about 3 miles east-northeast of Puuanahulu, according to Hawaii Fire Department Chief Kazuo Todd. It’s bounded by Daniel K. Inouye Highway on its northern edge.

“We’re hoping to contain the fire between the southern lava flow — we’re trying to keep it between that and Highway 190 and DKI,” said Todd. “At the moment, both of our choppers are going to be working the fire today, and PTA is bringing in 4 additional choppers to also help.”

In addition, five private bulldozers are working to establish fire breaks, he said. County, federal and state crews are currently working the blaze.

The fire broke out amid a red flag warning, which remains in effect for leeward areas through 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The warning means conditions are conducive for fire due to gusty winds and low relative humidity.

Winds on Thursday were blowing around 30 mph, said Todd. At the height of the blaze Wednesday night, firefighters were battling 40-foot flame fronts, he said.

Currently no residences or structure are threatened and all major roadways are open, he said.

Todd advised residents that while there is currently no threat, now is the time to prepare in the event an evacuation might be ordered, as occurred for Waikoloa Village during last summer’s fire that scorched over 40,000 acres in South Kohala. That means double-checking fuel in cars, having cash on hand and getting a go-kit ready.

“The long-term concern is residents in Waikoloa Village,” Todd said. “While it’s very far from them, in a day or two or so — in a worse case scenario — this could impact them. They must keep an eye on the situation and check on it.

“Should the situation change drastically, it’s one of those things we would put out a warning,” he said. “It’s just in case — we don’t anticipate it impacting any residential areas, but we also have some extreme weather.”