Hamakua brush fire blackens 10 acres

A brush fire ignited by a fully ignited vehicle blackened 10 acres between Ookala and Paauilo Monday afternoon, the Fire Department said Tuesday morning.

Winds quickly spread the fire to pasture land and eucalyptus forest. Eleven fire units, including a county helicopter, helped battle the blaze, as did two privately contracted bulldozers.

No injuries were reported, but the fire closed Highway 19 during peak afternoon traffic.