08-23-2010, 01:40 PM
For those interested, the latest I have is that the road remains closed to the public on both the Hilo and Kona side. The fire is about 10 miles west of Hale Pohaku and is currently 55% contained but is spreading upslope. Smoke was reported at the MK summit today and was visible in summit web cams. National Guard Blackhawks are planned to fight the fire tomorrow.
I've heard nothing about the possibility of reopening the road yet and assume it will remain closed tomorrow.
Apparently HELCO are concerned about the Kona side this evening when the loads increase as power is not being fed to that side over the Saddle as usual and crews are unable to repair the lines as they can't get access due to the fire.
Tom
I've heard nothing about the possibility of reopening the road yet and assume it will remain closed tomorrow.
Apparently HELCO are concerned about the Kona side this evening when the loads increase as power is not being fed to that side over the Saddle as usual and crews are unable to repair the lines as they can't get access due to the fire.
Tom