Fire crews responded to a 9:08 a.m. alarm Thursday (Dec 1) to the Punaluu area in Ka‘u for a brushfire.

Crews have been working to extinguish the fire. Fire dispatch noted three brushfires occurring within a 17 hour period of November 30-December 1, 2016. The three fires were along the roadside of Kamaoa Road (Naalehu), Kaalaiki Road (Naalehu) and Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) in Punaluu. So far 130 ares of open land have burned.

The brushfires have been contained at the scene with 12 firefighters working to extinguish fully them. Traffic was halted for some time in Punaluu and later detoured through Ninole Loop Road during firefighting efforts. There were no structures involved and no injuries reported. The cause of the brushfires is under investigation.