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Puna lava flow breakouts advance toward Pahoa Transfer Station & Apa'a St as leading edge remains stalled

PAHOA, BIG ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) - The leading edge of the Puna lava flow has not advanced for the past ten days, but Hawai'i County Civil Defense officials say the flow pad continues to show signs of inflation which could result in breakouts and more activity. The flow front remains stalled 480 feet from Pahoa Village Road, but officials are keeping their eye on the breakout near the Pahoa Transfer Station which is nearing Apa'a Sreet and is about 110 yards away.USGS geologists with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory have observed multiple breakouts in areas upslope of the leading edge, the closest activity is about 440 yards above the stalled flow front. HVO scientists say in addition to the lobe above Apaaa Street moving towards the transfer station -- a new, narrow breakout was also observed on the south side of the flow, 600 yards above Apaaa Street and had advanced approximately 175 yards downslope in the past day. USGS says there are other active breakouts approximately 0.7 miles to 1.5 miles above Apa'a Street.USGS says minor inflationary tilt of Kilauea's summit was recorded Sunday morning and the level of the summit lava lake at Halema?uma?u Crater has increased from the previous day.Hawai'i County officials say active burning along the flow edges in the areas of the cemetery and above the transfer station has been limited to the vegetation in contact with the flow. They say smoke may be visible throughout the day, however there is no brush fire threat at this time.Officials say smoke conditions Sunday are light with variable winds. Residents down wind who may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors, should the winds shift or smoke conditions increase.Hawai'i County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira says although current flow activity has decreased, the evacuation advisory for those residents down slope of the flow will continue and residents will be kept informed of the flow status and advancement.