A brush fire within the Green Sands Subdivision in Naalehu consumed one structure and multiple acres Monday.
Hawaii County Assistant Fire Chief Gantry Andrade said the fire started around 10:36 a.m. Monday and 15 acres had been burnt within the subdivision between Mark Twain and Pele Streets.
A structure, believed to be a home or dwelling, had also been consumed, he said.
According to an alert from the county, residents were advised to evacuate the subdivision because of high winds and heavy smoke conditions.
Evacuations started around noon when the fire was at its hottest, Andrade said.
The American Red Cross opened a shelter at the Naalehu Community Center for residents evacuated from their homes because of the brush fire.
The fire was not yet contained by 5 p.m. Monday but Andrade was hoping the fire would be out by the end of the day.
“But I cannot say for sure right now,” he said during a phone call with West Hawaii Today Monday night.
About 20 firefighters were still on the scene at that time, Andrade said.
All highways and major roadways remained open, however, some roads within the subdivisions were closed Monday and motorists were advised to avoid the area.