Keauhou Fire Continues to Burn

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park reports that the Keauhou fire continues to burn within the park on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, with no new growth due to favorable weather and progress by firefighters.

Firefighters are strengthening existing fireline and patrolling for hot spots along the eastern edge of the fire. On the southern edge, firefighters continue to secure the fire south of the Kīpuka Kī Special Ecological Area, a cultural heritage area and rare forest habitat for endangered species.

Cooler weather helped fire crews construct additional fireline on the northern and western part of the fire. Light to moderate trade winds and mostly dry weather can be expected through Sunday. Any passing showers will be light and brief.

The size of the fire has not changed since yesterday and remains at 3,679 acres, 51% contained, mostly within the park on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Fire personnel are updating maps, containment, and verifying exact acreage.

Smoke may be visible from Highway 11, and motorists are urged to drive with caution, roll up windows and use air conditioning if possible, and to stop for emergencies only. The fire is approximately one mile north of Highway 11.

Southern California Incident Management Team Two took command of the fire at 6 p.m. Friday. Cooperating agencies include the National Park Service, Hawaiʻi County Fire Department, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, State Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and the Research Cooperation Unit of the University of Hawaiʻi.

Sunday, Aug. 12, the public and media are invited to view the firefighter and emergency services vehicle procession for Capt. Brian Hughes. The route starts in Hilo at 11 a.m. at the King Kamehameha Statue in Hilo with a destination of the Hilo Yacht Club. More information can be found online.

Firefighters and rangers appreciate the continued support from the community. Mauna Loa Road and most of the park have been closed since May 11 due to hazardous seismic activity.