Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials have closed Hilina Pali Road from the Mauna Iki Trailhead and Mauna Loa Road at the gate past Kipukapuaulu due to escalating fire danger in the park, according to a written statement Friday.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials have closed Hilina Pali Road from the Mauna Iki Trailhead and Mauna Loa Road at the gate past Kipukapuaulu due to escalating fire danger in the park, according to a written statement Friday.
Motorized day use such as hiking and bicycling will be permitted, and back country camping on Mauna Loa is allowed with a permit.
In addition, Ainahou Ranch access will be restricted to essential personnel and authorized vehicles only. Campfires are prohibited at Namakanipaio Campground and Kipukapuaulu until further notice. The use of fuel stoves is allowed.
On Thursday afternoon, a fire burned almost three acres of seasonally dry ohia woodland and scattered koa trees, forcing park officials to close Mauna Loa Road from Highway 11 and temporarily evacuate Namakanipaio Campground. Park service and county fire crews responded to the blaze, located about 1/4 mile west of Kipukapuaulu.
As of 8 a.m. Friday, the fire was 50 percent contained, and its spread had been halted.
No structures or homes were threatened. Park officials report that the fire was started unintentionally, and its cause is under investigation.
“We’ve had an extremely hot and dry summer in the park, and across the island which escalates the risk of fire,” said Chief Ranger John Broward. “Hot components on motor vehicles have historically contributed to the increased risk of fire, and by reducing the number of vehicles, we can mitigate the potential for a catastrophic event.”