A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
The latest fountaining episode began on Tuesday morning and marked the 43rd eruption phase since activity resumed at the volcano in December 2024.
Footage from the area showed two bright red fountains of molten lava and smoke rising from the summit crater. It remains unclear how long the current episode will last. Previous bursts of activity have ranged from a few hours to several days.
Officials said the molten rock remains confined within the summit crater of Kilauea inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and does not threaten homes or buildings.
Volcanic fragments and ash (known as tephra) have been falling on surrounding communities and nearby roads, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an ashfall warning for the area. Authorities temporarily closed areas around the park’s summit and partially shut Hawaii Route 11, an important road that circles much of the island.
Officials in Hawaii County also opened a shelter at a district gymnasium for residents and tourists affected by the road closure or ashfall. County spokesperson Tom Callis said no one had used the shelter shortly after it opened.
Local authorities warned that volcanic tephra can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system. The material can also clog water catchment systems commonly used by residents on the island.
During a previous episode, ashfall was heavy enough that civil defence crews had to help communities clear deposits covering homes, Callis said.
Kilauea is among the world’s most active volcanoes and has been producing intermittent lava fountains for more than a year during its ongoing eruption.
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