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Traffic was detoured from Highway 11 through Ninole Loop Road in Punaluu Wednesday (Aug 3).

Police have closed Highway 11 in Punaluu due to a brushfire which is burning on both sides of the highway Wednesday (Aug 3). Gusty winds are propelling the brushfire along the tall dry grass and trees in the area. Traffic is being detoured via Ninole Loop Road makai of the fire scene.

Heavy smoke and soot fills the air at the scene and creating a hazard for drivers and anyone with respiratory problems.

UPDATED

Highway 11 is open to traffic in Punaluu. Motorists are advised to drive with caution as fire crews are still in the area. The fire which was initially reported at 2 p.m. Wednesday (Aug 3) was 90 percent contained by 1 a.m. Thursday (Aug 4).

The fire consumed 80 acres of land makai of Highway 11 within Ninole Loop Road and five acres mauka of the highway. In addition to firefighters on the ground Chopper One was used to make water drops and a bulldozer cut firebreaks.

Crews remain on scene overnight to put down hotspots. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Smoke rises from a brushfire both mauka and makai of Highway 11 in Punaluu as seen looking North-East from Honuapo. Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

UPDATED, 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6

Fire Department reports the blaze is 90 percent contained.

Crews maintained fire breaks and monitored hots spots along the mauka flank of the fire Saturday.