Kohala Brush Fire Torches Hundreds of Acres, Closes Road

A brush fire in Kohala has burned several hundred acres on the Big Island.

The Hawai´i Fire Department said the fire began Tuesday evening at around 9:30 pm near Kohala Mountain Road. Windy conditions aided the spread of the blaze all the way to Kawaihae Road, a portion of which authorities closed for several hours but reopened early Wednesday morning.

Flames were also reported near the Kamuela View Estates neighborhood, though as of Wednesday morning no evacuations had been required. To this point, authorities have not reported any injuries, deaths, or property damage due to the fire.

According to the most recent update, firefighters estimate that up to 700 acres have burned thus far.

This story will be updated as new information becomes available.