O‘okala Brush Fire Scorches 46 Acres
The brush fire burning in the Hāmākua District has scorched 46.6 acres and is now 60% contained.
Burning near O‘okala, Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to the blaze on Thursday at around noon. A portion of Old Māmalahoa Highway was closed overnight between Niu Village and Kukui Village Roads and residents in the area were evacuated.
Firefighters will remain on scene today to address hot spots and monitor conditions.
There are no evacuation orders and no road closures at this time. Pa‘auilo Gym, which was used as an evacuation shelter, has been returned to regular activity.