HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi - Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has closed Mauna Loa Road to the public from the gate at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot due to a wildfire and fire suppression efforts. Only authorized vehicles are permitted until further notice.
The wildfire was first reported at 6:09 p.m. on Monday, July 11 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 are on scene. Fire personnel reported that good progress was made overnight in suppressing the flames.
The fire started on a power line road at approximately 4,800-ft. elevation 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 Kapāpala Ranch. Hazards include snags from previously burned koa and ʻōhiʻa trees and extremely rough uneven lava rock terrain. No homes or other structures are threatened at this time.
The cause of the wildfire is under investigation. It is burning through forest that provides habitat for native birds, including ʻapapane, elepaio and ʻamakihi. The fire also damaged about 1,760 feet of ungulate-proof fence which protects native forest from non-native hooved animals like goats, sheep and cattle.
Mostly dry conditions with light and variable winds are forecast in the area through Tuesday afternoon, with the possibility of precipitation Tuesday evening.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
