Update: Large Brush Fire Ignites in PTA

Update:

Hawaii Fire Department reports the brush fire that started Wednesday in the Pohakuloa Training Area spread overnight night to an area 1 mile from Highway 190 and 3 miles from Pu’uanahulu. No structures are threatened and all roads are open at this time.

The National Weather Service has extended the Fire Weather Red Flag Warning through Thursday evening for Kohala, Kona and Kau Districts. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Strong, gusty trade winds, dry fuel, and low relative humidity could produce extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop will likely rapidly spread and be difficult to control.

Motorists are advised to drive with caution in the areas of Highway 190 and Daniel K Inouye Highway due to Fire personnel and heavy equipment working in the area to establish fire breaks and conducting fire suppression.

Original story:

Crews are battling a a large brush fire in the Pōhakuloa Training Area that started Wednesday morning.

As of Wednesday night, Hawai‘i Fire Department reports the flames were moving northwest. No roads or residential areas were threatened at that time.

Fire units from PTA, State Forestry, National Park Service and HFD are on scene for fire suppression. Motorists are advised to drive with caution as heavy equipment and personnel are around Daniel K Inouye Highway and Highway 190.

A red flag warning is currently in effect for leeward parts of the island. According to the National Weather Service, the combination of dry fuels, strong and gusty trade winds, and low relative humidity will result in critical fire conditions at times through today.

More information about the brush fire will be reported as it becomes available.