Hawaii County orders evacuation for Puukapu Homestead, Waikii Ranch due to large wildfire
Aug. 1—Hawaii County officials ordered a mandatory evacuation for residents of Puukapu Hawaiian Homestead and Waikii Ranch tonight because of brush fire that has burned about 12, 000 acres in Waimea.
Authorities have opened an evacuation center at Waimea District Park off of Ala Ohia Road in Waimea. The center is pet friendly but residents must supply their own provisions, officials said at 6 p.m.
The Hawaii Fire Department has closed Old Saddle Road between Highway 190 and Daniel K. Inouye Highway because of heavy smoke.
The county said the fire's direction is shifting because of wind conditions.
HFD firefighters and the Department of Forestry and Wildlife are continuing to fight the fire.
