By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

As of Tuesday afternoon (June 19) the two brushfire areas near Pahala have burned about 2,300 acres. The smaller fire mauka of the highway has burned about 400 acres and is 60 percent contained, the larger fire makai of Highaway 11 has burned about 1,900 acres and is 40 percent contained. Highway 11 is closed at the 49 mile marker, motorists should avoid driving in the area.

Fire crews are using three bulldozers to cut firebreaks to contain the blaze where tall eucalyptus trees are burning. The fire department’s Chopper One is doing water drops as Engine and Tanker units along with firefighters battle the fire on the ground. A coffee farm is in the brushfire area mauka of Highway 11 while a Macadamia Nut orchard and pastureland are in the burn area below the highway.

UPDATED (6/19/2012 at 4:37 PM)

Motorists are advised that Highway 11 in Pāhala is now closed until further notice in both directions between the 46-mile marker and Kamani Street because of a brush fire. Please avoid the area.

Pahala brushfires update for Wednesday, (June 20, 2012)