UPDATE (4:37 p.m.) – Police report one lane on Highway 19 is now open.

(BIVN) – Highway 19 on the Hamakua Coast is closed due to a brush fire at the 32.5 mile marker, between Paauilo and Ookala, police report.

In a Nixle alert issued at 4:10 p.m. on Monday, the Hawaii County Police advised all motorists to avoid the highway. “The road is now closed and there is no alternative route available at this time,” police stated.

“It is unknown at this time when the highway will re-open”, Hawaii County Civil Defense added in a message issued at 4:30 p.m.