KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (AP) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved funds to help pay for fighting a major brush fire that continued to burn Tuesday night on the Big Island.
The fire scorched more than 1,500 acres along Kawaihae Road since erupting Sunday.
The blaze wasn't considered contained because a section of a fire break remained to be completed and because of concern over numerous hot spots, said Lanny Nakano, acting administrator of the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency.
A steep ravine just south of Waiula Drive and rubbish along a nearby utility line road were among the potential flare-up sites, he said.
Helicopters made water drops throughout the day on the hot spots.
Fire crews also were concerned about kiawe trees within the burn area that may still be smoldering, Nakano said.
The trees can burn for extended periods of time when fire reaches their roots.
Late Monday, FEMA offered aid under its Fire Management Assistance Grant Program.
The state had asked for help, but it was unclear Tuesday how much money might be made available.
Up to 75 percent of the firefighting and emergency response costs may be covered by the federal fire management assistance, which is provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund, according to FEMA.
Nakano said the state Civil Defense Division and a yet-to-be named coordinating officer will help tally the costs.
The grant aid can be applied to expenses for personnel over time costs, equipment use or repair, tools, materials and supplies, Nakano said.
The grant also will help defray the cost of renting a helicopter and bulldozers to fight the fire.
Authorities also were concerned about possible live ordnance left over from nearby Camp Tarawa, a World War II training area, Nakano said.
The fire had forced the temporary evacuation of about 60 homes Sunday and Monday, but no evacuations were ordered Tuesday and all roads were open.
Authorities reported no structures had been damaged and none were threatened. No injuries have been reported.
Nakano said the fire was reported shortly before noon Sunday along Kawaihae Road near Hawaiian Fresh Egg Farm.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation, he said, but it may have been the result of a lit cigarette or hot vehicle exhaust coming in contact with the brush.
