Slow-moving lava creeps closer to Hawaii homes

By AUDREY McAVOY and JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER, Associated Press

Oct 29, 2014 3:20 AM CDT

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This Oct. 25, 2014 photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey shows a Hawaii Volcano Observatory geologist standing on a partly cooled section of lava flow near the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii. Note the thin red horizontal line of molten lava visible along the bottom third of the photo.... (Associated Press)

PAHOA, Hawaii (AP) — Hawaii authorities say lava from Kilauea volcano is burning tires and other materials that could generate more smoke.

Hawaii County civil defense authorities late Tuesday warned residents with respiratory problems living downwind of the flow to take precautions and stay indoors.

The lava was about 370 yards from the main road in Pahoa town, the commercial center of a mostly agricultural and forested part on the Big Island.

Earlier in the day, molten rock burned down an empty shed.

Lava entered inhabited areas last week after months of warnings from geologists that it was slowly approaching the town.

At least 50 to 60 structures are in a zone that officials warn will likely be hit soon.

Most people in this area have already left or are prepared to go.

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