(USGS MAP) Map as of 12:00 p.m. HST, May 23. On the main map, light purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015. On the inset map (lower right), the dark purple area indicates locations of Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone, Southwest Rift Zone, and summit, and the light purple area indicates the extent of Kīlauea.

(BIVN) – According to Hawaii County Civil Defense, “the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports eruption activity continues in the Lower East Rift Zone. The middle portion of the fissure system continues to be the most active. Lava eruption and ground cracking continues in the area of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens.”

(USGS) A blue burning flame of methane gas was observed in the cracks on Kahukai Street during the overnight hours. When lava buries plants and shrubs, methane gas is produced as a byproduct of burning vegetation. Methane gas can seep into subsurface voids and explode when heated, or as shown in this video, emerge from cracks in the ground several feet away from the lava. When ignited, the methane produces a blue flame.

Frequent ash emissions continue at the Kilauea summit, resulting in plumes up to 8,000 feet high. Take action to avoid exposure to ash, officials say.

To help our residents, the County of Hawaii is distributing free masks for ash protection:

• Distribution will be this Wednesday through Friday from 3:30 to 7:30PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM.
• Masks will be distributed at Ocean View Community Center, Naalehu Community Center, Pahala Community Center, Cooper Center, and Shipman Gym in Keaau.
• Each person may receive up to three masks.
• Masks do not protect against gasses and vapors. They will only provide filtering for ash.