Brush fire contained after scorching 121 acres near South Point

KAILUA-KONA — A brush fire that broke out last Thursday scorched more than 100 acres in Ka‘u prompting the closure of South Point Road.

Hawaii Fire Department Capt. Chris Carvalho said the fire, which was reported about 10 p.m. Thursday, consumed about 121 acres of grass, small brush and kiawe. It was nearly contained Friday morning and no structures had been lost or were threatened.

Firefighters remained on the scene throughout the day dousing hot spots and flare-ups, he said. A Hawaii County helicopter also assisted with water drops.

Winds around 20 mph blowing from the east-northeast assisted firefighters efforts in quashing the fire because it helped to fan the flames more makai and into areas already burned.

Capt. Miles Chong, stationed out of Naalehu in Ka‘u, said police officers helped to evacuate a handful of fishermen from the South Point area shortly after the fire was reported. No other evacuations were ordered.

Kamaoa Road, which leads to the Discover Harbour subdivision, remained open as the South Point Road closure was below that area, he said. South Point Road remained closed by press time Friday.