Fire prompts closure of Mauna Loa Road
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has closed Mauna Loa Road to the public from the gate at the Kipukapuaulu parking lot due to a wildfire and fire suppression efforts, the park announced Tuesday.
Only authorized vehicles are permitted until further notice.
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The wildfire was first reported at 6:09 p.m. on Monday and was estimated to be about 46 acres by Tuesday morning.
A fire crew consisting of approximately 30 firefighters, a helicopter, several fire engines, and a water tender were on scene. Fire personnel reported that good progress was made Monday night in suppressing the flames.
The fire started on a power line road at an elevation of 4,800 feet on the southeast flank of Mauna Loa, and is burning through dry grasses, native shrubs and trees in the footprint of the 2018 Keauhou fire, towards Kapapala Ranch.
No homes or other structures are threatened at this time.
The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.
