Hawaii Volcanoes National Park said this afternoon the Keauhou Ranch fire is now 80 percent contained and continues to be 3,739 acres on the northeastern slopes of Mauna Loa, mostly within the national park boundaries.
Cooler weather and afternoon cloud cover helped aid firefighters with their efforts.
Today, firefighters continued to work on constructing fire line on the northern edge of the fire. They also worked to secure the southern edge south of the Kipuka Ki Special Ecological Area, a cultural heritage area and rare forest habitat for endangered species
Fire crews also worked along the Mauna Loa Road to fall a limited number of trees that became hazards from the fire. By proactively taking down these trees, the area becomes not only safer for firefighters, but also for the park’s resource advisors and scientists who are studying the fire area and the long-term effects.
The fire may be visible from Highway 11, especially for Hilo-bound traffic, but is not impacting the road or travel.