If you are planning to drive the Mauna Loa Road, be aware it will be one of the areas closed to vehicles beginning Sunday, August 6, due to wildfire risk at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park / David Boyle photo

Some areas in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at most risk for wildfire will close to vehicles beginning Sunday, August 6 at 5 p.m., and campfires will be prohibited.

Based on severe fire weather conditions in the forecast and elevated fire danger in some park areas, Mauna Loa Road will close to vehicles past the gate at Kīpukapuaulu and Hilina Pali Road will close to vehicles past the gate beyond Kulanaokuaiki Campground. Pedestrians and bicycles are allowed.

In addition, all campfires and open flame cooking fires will be prohibited at Kīpukapuaulu day use area, Namakanipaio Campground, and the fire pit near the Kilauea Military Camp ballfield.

“Although rain is common at the summit of Kīlauea, other areas in the park are extremely dry with low humidity and the park has entered into a high fire risk index in those areas,” said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Fire Operations Specialist Matt Desimone. “Safety is always our top priority, as well as the protection of the park’s cherished natural and cultural resources.”

Limiting vehicle access to remote areas with dry vegetation and low humidity is necessary for wildfire prevention. Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers are a common cause of wildfires. A hurricane entering the Central Pacific is exacerbating the fire risk.

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Dora, coupled with high pressure to the north, is expected to bring strong tradewinds and more dry conditions as soon as Monday, August 7 as it passes well to the south of the island of Hawaiʻi.