Firefighters on Friday are still working to extinguish a brush fire that charred an estimated 1,022 acres in Ka‘u.
Hawaii Fire Department personnel on Friday continue to douse hot spots and flareups within the burn area which extends from Kaalualu Bay northwest toward South Point Road, according to the department. Winds are blowing in a northeast direction around 15 to 25 mph with higher gusts.
The fire is listed as under control and contained. Crews are expected to remain on the scene throughout the day and overnight into Saturday.
Firefighters responded about 2:30 p.m. Sunday to a report of a brush fire near Kaalualu Bay that was being fanned by trade winds in a northwesterly direction toward South Point Road. Within 1.5 hours, the fire had grown to 250 acres. Firefighters gained control of the blaze late Sunday, keeping it at an estimated 1,022 acres.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Motorists traversing South Point Road are asked to use caution because HFD equipment and personnel are in the area.