Fire Near Waimea Grows To Over 36,000 Acres As Strong Winds Drive Blaze

EDIT: Waikoloa Village Evacuation Issued by Hawaii County. "Please take immediate action and gather you personal items and evacuate." An evacuation center has been established at the old Kona airport. The wildfire has grown to over 36,000 acres and at least destroyed one home so far. Winds have helped spread the fire overnight. The National Weather Service has placed a wind advisory which includes the fire's parameter, with Northeast winds 15 to 30 mph and localized gusts over 50 mph expected. "The fire area is moving west, north, and south due to wind conditions. Please prepared your properties and remove any debris or exposed fuels to prevent ignition. Fire crews are actively back burning and creating fire breaks in the area." ~ Hawaii County Civil Defense A mandatory evacuation was issued yesterday (7.31.2021) for Pu'u Kapu Hawaiian Homestead and Waikii Ranch, no plans to evacuate Waikoloa have been made at this time. . An Emergency Proclamation has been signed by Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth. Highway 190 from Waimea Airport to the Waikoloa Road Junction and the Old Saddle Road are closed.