June 27 Lava Flow Update – 1/21/15

Stop and go activity with the June 27 lava flow continues Wednesday as the north margin breakout that has been active and advancing over the past week has once again stalled after moving 15 yards between Monday and Tuesday mornings.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense observed the area during its morning overflight assessment, and says that although the area remains active, the flow has not advanced as it remains 0.4 miles from the area of Highway 130 to the west of the Pahoa Police and Fire Stations.

During the overflight, the original flow front that was heading towards the Pahoa Marketplace, just 0.5 miles from the Highway area beneath the Marketplace, remains stalled. The south margin breakout that was active during the same time also remains stalled.

The two breakouts that are about 1-1.5 miles upslope from the stalled original flow front along the north margin continue to remain active but sluggish. Civil Defense says that the breakouts have shown very little signs of advancement.

Additional breakouts have been witnessed along the south and north margins of the flow, well within the flow pad.

Civil Defense says none of the activity is posing any threat to communities in the area. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, in addition to Civil Defense, will continue to monitor conditions and report changes to the public.

At the current time, all fires that have occurred over the past week are contained within the fire break perimeters. Officials say that burning activity is limited to hot spots and flare ups, and that Hawai’i Fire Department personnel and equipment remain on the scene monitoring conditions.

Light to moderate smoke conditions were observed Wednesday morning, as a light northwest wind was blowing smoke in a southeast direction. As usual, these conditions have the possibility of changing and those who are sensitive or have a history of respiratory issues should take necessary precautions.

The next community lava meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Pahoa High School Cafeteria.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense lava flow map, as of Jan. 21 at 7 a.m. Civil Defense photo.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense lava flow map, as of Jan. 21 at 7 a.m. Civil Defense photo.