No damage from Puna brush fire

A Wednesday afternoon brush fire blackened five vacant lots, about 3 acres, in Kalapana Black Sands subdivision.

According to a written Fire Department statement, 12 units, including a county helicopter, responded to the 12:29 p.m. alarm, with the first unit arriving 18 minutes later.

The fire was reportedly under control at 1:17 p.m.

The fire was fanned by intermittent trade wind gusts, with initial visibility in the area less than 10 feet, with no radio or cellphone communication available.

Five homes were threatened by the blaze, but none were damaged, according to the statement.

The cause of the fire was listed as unknown.