The Hawaiʻi County Fire Department reported a large brush fire that began yesterday in the Pōhakuloa Training Area.  Over night the fire spread to an area 1 mile from Highway 190 and 3 miles from Pu’uanahulu.  No structures are threatened and all roads are open at this time.

Fire units from PTA, State Forestry, National Park Service and Hawaiʻi County Fire Department are on scene for fire suppression.  Motorists driving near Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Highway 190 are advised to proceed with caution as fire personnel and heavy equipment are in the area establishing fire breaks and conducting fire suppression.

The National Weather Service has extended the Fire Weather Red Flag Warning through this evening for Kohala, Kona and Kaʻū Districts. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur.  Strong, gusty trade winds, dry fuel, and low relative humidity could produce extreme fire behavior.  Any fires that develop will likely rapidly spread and be difficult to control.

More information on the PTA fire will be provided when it becomes available.