UPDATE (6 p.m.) – The Lako Street and Kololia Street intersection is now open. Officials say motorists are advised to proceed with caution as fire crews are still on the scene dealing with potential flare-ups. The evacuation center at Old Kona Airport has been closed and residents who evacuated earlier may return home. Civil defense says smoke conditions have improved in the area.

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii – A runaway brush fire in the Kailua Kona is burning an area between Kololia Place and Halawai Place off of Lako Street in the Komohana Kai Subdivision, civil defense reports.

Due to heavy smoke and fire conditions, some area residents are being evacuated. Civil defense says an emergency evacuation center has been opened at the Old Kona Airport Gym.

The intersection of Lako and Kololia Streets is now closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and to use alternate routes if possible. Fire personnel and heavy equipment are on scene and working to contain the fire.

Photos taken by Sherry Bracken (above and below) show the brushfire below Lutheran Church on Lako Street.