photo by Jessica Ferracane

KAWAIHAE – The brushfire that burned out of control in South Kohala today has apparently surrounded the Pu’ukoholā Heiau this evening, within the Pu’ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.

In a photo captured by Jessica Ferracane on Saturday evening, smoldering embers can be seen surrounding the landmark heiau in the foreground, while the historic structure is silhouetted by larger flames in the background.

Sources say fire has also engulfed the piles of eucalyptus trees across from the heiau on the other side of the road. The trees were harvested from Hamakua and are awaiting export overseas.