UPDATE: Green Sands Fire ’50 Percent’ Contained

***Update posted at 9:20 p.m. to include information from Hawai’i County Civil Defense.***

Residents in Na’alehu’s Green Sands Subdivision are being allowed to return to their homes as firefighters continue to battle a brush fire in the area.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense reported late Monday night that the fire is “50 percent” contained. Residents who opt to return to their homes are being advised to expect smoky conditions throughout the night.

The Na’alehu Community Center remains open as an evacuation center.

***Original story posted at 5:50 p.m.***

Hawai’i County Fire Department crews are battling a runaway brush fire in the Na’alehu Green Sands subdivision.

The fire is reportedly burning out of control. No estimate as to how many acres have burned is currently available.

Residents in the Green Sands subdivision have been asked to evacuate. The evacuation is due to high winds and heavy smoke conditions.

Na’alehu Community Center has been opened by the American Red Cross as an evacuation site.

HFD says the fire is in the areas of Pele and Mark Twain Roads. Highway 11 and other main roadways remain open, however, officials say some roads within subdivisions are closed.

Both fire and emergency personnel are on scene and are trying to contain the fire.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.