(UPDATED)
On Thursday, September 29, the County of Hawaiʻi evacuated households west of ʻOʻokala graveyard road as a brushfire, which began in the Hamakua District near the 30 mile marker makai of Old Mamalahoa Highway, drew near.
As of 11am on Friday, September 30, the fire fire was reported to have been 60% contained.
No structures were threatened. Hawaiʻi County Fire Department remained crews remained on scene to control and monitor the fire.
An emergency shelter was opened at the Paʻauilo Gymnasium. As the fire decreased, residents were allowed back to their homes Thursday afternoon.
Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Mayor’s Office