Mana Road Brush Fire Update: Mandatory Evacuations for 3 Communities Temporarily Lifted

County officials have temporarily lifted evacuation orders for the communities of Waikoloa, Pu‘ukapu Hawaiian Homestead and Waiki‘i Ranch threatened by the Mana Road brush fire.

The decision to lift evacuations comes after wind patterns have died down and no homes are currently threatened, Hawai‘i County officials reported Sunday during a 7 p.m. press conference.

However, Hawai‘i Fire Chief Kazuo Todd said the evacuation order will be reevaluated in the morning as the wind is expected to be 18-28 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. The temporary lift of evacuation may have to be reinforced.

No updated acreage was provided as of 7 p.m. as fly-by conditions are unsafe. At first light, Todd said, HFD will send a chopper up to view the perimeter of the fire. So far, the blaze has scorched more than 40,000 acres.

County spokesperson Cyrus Johnasen said a lot of hands are playing a role in today’s evacuation.

“This is a full-fledged effort,” Johnsen said. “Every single resource on this island is being used and utilized. We want people to feel safe.”

Fire crews will continue to work through the night to build fire breaks.