An evacuation order Sunday afternoon that prompted thousands to flee Waikoloa Village was lifted at 7 p.m. as firefighters continued to battle a wildland fire that’s scorched more than 62.5 square miles and consumed two homes in South Kohala.
However, officials cautioned that residents and visitors alike in the South Kohala town — as well as Puukapu in Waimea — should be prepared to evacuate should conditions change.
As of 5 p.m. Sunday, the fire, which was not contained, was estimated at 40,000 acres spanning from Mana Road and Puukapu in Waimea to Waikii Ranch and down to within a few miles of Waikoloa Village. Hawaii County officials were unable to provide an update on the fire’s size at 7 p.m. because helicopters could not fly the blaze’s perimeter due to weather conditions.