News Release

Keauhou Fire Update for August 13

Date: August 13, 2018
Contact: Mike Theune/Fire Information Officer, 559-586-0882 (cell)

Hawaii National Park, HI – The Keauhou Fire is now 80 percent contained and continues to be 3,739 acres on the northeastern slopes of Mauna Loa, mostly within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Cooler weather and afternoon cloud cover helped aid firefighters with their efforts. 

On Monday, 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 Kīpuka Kī 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 (east) bound traffic, but is not impacting the road or travel.  

Southern California Incident Management Team Two took command of the fire on August 10. Cooperating agencies include the National Park Service, Hawaiʻi County Fire Dept., U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, State Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), The Research Cooperation Unit of the University of Hawaiʻi.

The 2018 Wildfire LOOKOUT! campaign starts today across Hawaiʻi. Did you know 99 percent of wildfires in Hawai‘i are started by people? You can help protect our ‘āina and learn how to be fire safe by visiting http://www.hawaiiwildfire.org/lookout/

For updates, more information and photos, visit inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6114/. 

Rangers and firefighters are thankful for the continued support from the community. Mauna Loa Road and most of the park have been closed since May 11 due to hazardous seismic activity.
 

-NPS-