Update: Portion of Kawaihae Road reopens after brush fire forced its closure

Update at 6:38 p.m. on Sunday: Hawai‘i Island police reports Kawaihae Road, which was closed earlier due to a brush fire, is reopened to traffic.

The blaze burned approximately 50 acres and no structures were threatened. The fire is 95% contained.

Smoke and small flames can be anticipated in the area but there is a dozer line around the perimeter. Firefighting crews will be on location throughout the night to monitor the scene.

Original post: A portion of Kawaihae Road is closed due to a brush fire that sparked on the south side of the road this afternoon.

The road is closed at the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway Junction and Wailua Drive near mile marker 64. First responders are working in the area where between 20 and 30 acres have burned.

According to Hawai‘i Island fire officials, the blaze is spreading slowly, however, crews are having access issues. As of 2 p.m., dozers were en route to the scene.

Four Hawaii Fire Department companies along with five volunteer companies responded to the blaze. Two aircraft are also working to stamp out the flames.

No structures are threatened.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area. It is unknown how long the road will be closed.

This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.