UPDATE 2: Waikoloa Fire Scorches 900 Acres So Far

Waikoloa fire, Saturday, Feb.10, 2018. VC: Marie Claire

UPDATE 2: Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, 8 a.m.

Big Island firefighters continue to battle a brush fire that has already scorched hundreds of acres in Waikoloa.

The fire, which broke out Saturday, has burned about 900 acres. The fire is 35% contained at this update.

More crews will be dispatched this morning.

Highway 190 from Makalei to the Daniel K. Inouye Highway was shut down Saturday evening and was reopened around 10 p.m. Sunday.

The fire was first reported around 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Some Big Island residents mistook the billowing smoke for a new lava outbreak.

Area motorists are advised to use Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway.

Firefighters conducted backburn operations overnight. No structures are  threatened at this time.

Waikoloa fire, Saturday, Feb.10, 2018. PC: Renee Collins

UPDATE 1: Sunday, Feb. 11, 9 p.m.

On Saturday, Feb.10, at 6:30 p.m., HPD advised the public to avoid Highway 190. The highway was scheduled to open Sunday night at 10 p.m.

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense is asking motorist to drive with caution as firefighters are working on scene through the night and visibility could be affected by smoke in the area.

Waikoloa fire, Saturday, Feb.10, 2018. PC: Renee Collins

ORIGINAL POST: Saturday, Feb.10 at 6:30 p.m.

Avoid Highway 190, between Makalei (by the fire station) in Kona to Daniel K. Inouye Highway due to brush fire. The highway is closed for an undetermined period. The fire department is at scene.

Highway 190 is closed between the Daniel K. intersection at the 15.5 MM and Makalei at the 31 MM until further notice. Hawaii Fire Department is conducting backburn operations between the 17 and 18 MMs in response to a fire that occurred earlier today. Residents who live between the 18 MM and 31 MM may access only from Makalei roadblock. All other traffic should use Queen Kaahumanu Highway as a detour.