Voice of Stephanie Salazar
A large brushfire in a remote section of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues to burn.
Park officials say the fire was sparked by lava from the Kamoamoa Eruption.
Park firefighters report that over 1,166 acres have burned during the past 48 hours. Although the fire area received scant rainfall overnight, the strong gusty winds today have pushed the fire southwest toward Holei Pali.
Hawai’i Volcanoes’ firefighters are holding the fire to the east and north of the Chain of Craters Road.
The lava ignited fire is moving through an area that has at least burned twice previously due to lava flows. The wind driven fire is fueled by uluhe fern and ohi’a trees. Smoke may be visible from many locations near the park.
The Chain of Craters Road remains closed at Mau Loa o Mauna Ulu.
Additional firefighting resources from California have been ordered and are expected to arrive Friday, March 17.
The smoke was noticeable for most of last week. The high winds have kept the smoke out of Ocean View the last few days. I hope they are able to contain the fire soon if they haven’t already.