News Release

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park wildfire update for July 13

Map of Power Line fire 7.12.22

NPS Map/M.Wasser

News Release Date: July 13, 2022

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – The wildfire on the southeast flank of Mauna Loa in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is 70% contained as of Wednesday morning, July 13, and is mapped at 42.5 acres in size. 

Light rain overnight and into early Wednesday morning is helping firefighters extinguish residual smoldering. The current weather outlook is favorable for firefighters to continue to make progress strengthening fire lines, mopping up, and extinguishing residual heat. As a result, containment is expected to rise significantly today and tomorrow.   

Mauna Loa Road remains closed to the public from the gate at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot. Only authorized vehicles are allowed past the gate until further notice. 

The Power Line fire was first reported at 6:09 p.m. on Monday, July 11 and started on a power line road at around 4,800 ft. elevation in the park. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

Isolated smoldering continues in leaf litter, logs, and snags from the 2018 Keauhou fire. Hazards include snags from previously burned koa and ʻōhiʻa trees and extremely rough uneven lava rock terrain. No homes or other structures are threatened, but the burn did impact habitat for native birds. A 1,760-foot section of ungulate-proof fence that protects native forest from non-native hooved animals was damaged. 

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park extends its deepest appreciation to the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW); County of Hawaiʻi Fire Department, and the U.S. Army’s Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA) personnel for providing critical local response through the initial attack. 

A map, video and images are available online. 

-NPS-