Wildfire Within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park 90% Contained

A wildfire within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is nearly completely contained after days of battling the blaze.

According to a park news release, the power line wildfire on the southeast flank of Mauna Loa was 90% contained as of Thursday morning, July 14, and remains at 42.5 acres in size.

“Firefighters, aided by periodic rainfall Wednesday (July 13) and overnight, were able to surround the perimeter of the fire and douse residual smoldering and flames with nearly 2 miles of fire hose,” the park’s release said. “Fire crews today will continue to work active portions of the fire with water, chainsaws and hand tools with the objective to reach 100% containment.”

A fire investigator is on scene to determine the cause and point of origin of the blaze. The wildfire was first reported at 6:09 p.m. Monday, July 11, and started near a power line road at about 4,800 feet in elevation within the national park.

Mauna Loa Road remains closed to the public from the gate at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot. Only authorized vehicles are allowed past the gate until further notice.

Cooperating agencies that assisted the National Park Service through the initial attack on the fire include the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Hawaiʻi Fire Department and personnel from Pōhakuloa Training Area.

“Most of Hawaiʻi is experiencing dry conditions, ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought. Most wildfires in Hawaiʻi are started by people,” the park’s news release said.

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