Update: Mana Road fire 60% contained, firebreaks cut completely around burn area

Update at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10: Firebreaks have been cut completely around the burn area as agencies maintain a perimeter around the Mana Road fire about seven miles from the Mauna Kea Access Road.

Hawaiʻi Fire Department and Hawaiʻi Division of Forestry and Wildlife are maintaining the perimeter with support from Hawaiʻi National Guard helicopters. The fire has been 60% contained and remains outside of the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, according to the County of Hawaiʻi.

Afternoon rain showers could impact the fire site today and smoke will continue to be present as interior pockets of unburned fuels are consumed.

There are about 60 personnel fighting the fire today from about 10 different state and county agencies.

Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Mauna Kea Access Road remain open. No residents or structures are threatened.

Original story at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9: A brush fire that began Friday off of Mana Road on the Big Island has now burned about 2,100 acres and is 50% contained, according to the Hawaiʻi Fire Department.

About 90 firefighters have battled the blaze, and continue operations to contain the fire and prevent spread into the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.

Bulldozer operators have been working on Sunday to complete firebreaks on the mauka side of the fire. Firebreaks also are in place on the flanks and makai side.

Units from the Hawaiʻi Fire Department, state Division of Forestry and Wildlife and Pōhakuloa Training Area are maintaining the established perimeter while Hawaiʻi National Guard helicopters assist with extinguishing hotspots inside the burn area.

Hawai‘i County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd said the fire doesn’t appear to be actively burning, but it is still warm.

Mana Road remains closed, but Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) and Mauna Kea Access Road are open.

However, drivers should be careful as some motorists may be distracted by the smoke. Drones and firefighting aircraft do not mix well and could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire operations. No residents or structures are threatened.

Smoke may be noticeable in your area.

Residents with respiratory or other health concerns are advised to take precautions that include:

• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed.
• Use an air purifier or air conditioning in “recirculate” mode.
• Avoid outdoor activity until air quality improves.
• Those with medical concerns should contact their healthcare provider.