(BIVN) – Spillovers along the Fissure 8 lava channel sparked brush fires along the south side of the flow around Highway 132 yesterday. Various observers report multiple homes were burned. The area is lava-locked and therefore inaccessible to fire fighters.

At the ocean entry, the eastern margin of the flow near Pohoiki, has not advanced southward and remains approximately 500 feet from the the Boat Ramp at Isaac Hale Park, civil defense says.

“State Highways reports no new cracks on Highway 11, but request motorists stay on the pavement and be alert for changes in roadway conditions between mile markers 28 and 32,” officials say.

Civil defense says the following guidelines remain in effect:

• Check all utility connections of water, gas, and electricity for potential damage from earthquake activity.
• Do not access the active flow field due to the extreme hazard of overflows and other breakouts.
• The ocean entry continues to produce a “laze” plume. Stay out of the plume to avoid exposure to hydrochloric acid and glass particles, which can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.

Disaster assistance is available island-wide to individuals and businesses in Hawaii County that have been affected by the Kilauea eruption.

• The Disaster Recovery Center is closed today, but will open Monday at the Pahoa Community Center. Hours of operation are 8 AM to 6 PM weekdays and 8 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays.
• Access placards are available at the Civil Defense office located at 920 Ululani Street in Hilo.