Brush fire reported near Hina Lani Road

A relatively slow moving brush fire has scorched more than 50 acres north of Hina Lani Road Wednesday afternoon in Kailua-Kona.

The fire, which broke out about 4 p.m. in vacant land north of the road’s intersection with Kamanu Street, is spreading in a north-northeast direction, said Hawaii Fire Department Battalion Chief Aaron Arbles. The fire’s size was estimated to be between 50 and 75 acres late Wednesday afternoon.

Residents of the Kaloko Transitional Housing, located mauka of the Kaloko Light Industrial Area, have been evacuated to the West Hawaii Civic Center due to smoke. The fire is not threatening the housing or any other structure, Arbles said.

Helicopters and bulldozers are on scene assisting firefighters, Arbles said. Hina Lani Road between Kanalani Street and Ane Keohokalole Highway is closed.