UPDATE – (6:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 20) – The Hawaiʻi Fire Department reports the brush fire in the vicinity of Maile Street near Pahala has grown to 66 acres. “Maile Street remains closed and Moaula Road has also been closed,” a civil defense message stated. “Firefighters will remain on scene through the night to monitor the fire. Please avoid the area as Firefighters are on scene and may be on the roadways.” 

(BIVN) – A brush fire forced the evacuation of two homes and the closure of a road in Kaʻū on Sunday afternoon.

The Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense says the fire, which is estimated to be 50 acres in size, is on Maile Street in Pahala.

“Two houses on Maile Street have been evacuated as a precaution and Maile Street is closed to Kaalaki Road,” a County alert message reported. “Please avoid the area as Firefighters are on scene and may be on the roadways.”

This story will be updated as new information is learned.