Two Brushfires Burning on Big Island Friday

A second brushfire has taken hold on the Big Island Friday.

Authorities reported a blaze on Mana Road, near Parker Ranch land outside of Waimea, around 10:45 am Friday morning. Hawai´i Fire Department units were dispatched, including volunteers, to contain the blaze.

The fire is being fanned by winds and continues to grow, according to a release from the County of Hawai´i in the early afternoon hours Friday. Firefighting efforts are concentrating on developing containment lines and extinguishing the burn.

Motorists in the area are requested to drive with caution.

The first brushfire was reported in the Na´alehu area, near Punalu´u Beach, at around 7 am this morning. As of Friday afternoon, that blaze had burned five acres. The county said it was 80% contained at that time.

No information has been released as to the causes of either fire. These situations will be updated as new information becomes available.

UPDATE, 2:56 PM FRIDAY, JULY 30: The brushfire in South Kohala is generating smoke that can be seen as far away as Waikoloa Village and Hawaiian Homelands in District 9. 

HFD is on scene and conducting fire suppression operations. There is no need for citizens to call Fire Dispatch to report smoke generated by the fire. 

Driving conditions on Old Saddle Road and Highway 190 may be affected by smoke. Motorists are asked to drive with caution as limited visibility caused by smoke may cause hazardous driving conditions in South Kohala.