UPDATE: Brush fire in Pāhala has burned about 66 acres; road closures continue

UPDATE 6:21 p.m. Sunday: The brush fire on Maile Street near Pāhala has grown, now burning an estimate 66 acres, according to the Hawaiʻi Fire Department.

Maile Street and Moaula Road in the area of the fire remain closed.

Firefighters will remain on the scene throughout the night to monitor the fire. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

Original post: A brush fire on Maile Street near Pāhala in the Kʻau District has burned an estimated 50 acres, according to the Hawaiʻi Fire Department.

Two houses on Maile Street have been evacuated as a precaution and Maile Street is closed to Kaalaki Road.  Please avoid the area because firefighters are on the scene and they may be on the roadways. 

The fire is spreading due to high winds and dry conditions.

Be advised that other road closures could occur with little to no notice, according to the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency.