Hawaii brush fire torches 40,000 acres of Big Island

A brush fire on Hawaii’s Big Island torched more than 40,000 acres over the weekend and temporarily prompted mandatory evacuations.

Residents in the communities of Waikii Ranch, Pu’u Kapu Hawaiian Homestead and Waikoloa, were required to evacuate Saturday as per an emergency proclamation by the mayor of Hawaii County, Mitchell Roth.

As of Sunday evening, all evacuation orders were lifted, but residents were warned they could be required to evacuate again.

In a news conference Sunday, Kazuo Todd — fire chief for the Hawaii Fire Department — said the National Guard had been called in to assist with the fire.

More than 140 personnel were working to control the blaze, Todd added.

The fire has not yet been contained.

U.S. Army 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Members of the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade responding to a large brush fire on Hawaii’s Big Island.