The Hawaii County Civil Defense said the leading lava flow front has resumed its crawl towards a major Pahoa intersection after stalling for four days.

Last Friday afternoon, the flow front continued its advance and moved forward about 45 feet during a down slope and spans 35 yards wide, officials said. The lava flow stopped Monday afternoon some 700 yards away from the Pahoa Marketplace that's also about 0.6 miles upslope from Pahoa Village Road and Highway 130 intersection.

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On Saturday, however, breakouts occurred across the leading flow front of the lava. The nearest breakout is located at the southern part of the flow pad, which is about 75 to 100 yards just behind the stalled flow front last Friday. The breakout seems to be veering towards the steepest descent in the direction of the Pahoa Marketplace.

According to Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira, these surface breakouts and lava flow activity continues more upslope at the front but won't cause any immediate damage or threat to nearby communities.

He also adds that Civil Defense and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory officials will be keeping the lava flow front under strict observation as local residents and commercial businesses down slope will be immediately informed about any flow activity or advance.

From Saturday morning, smoke and fog were reported as moderate with a light variable wind that caused smoke to settle in areas around Puna to Hilo. Sulfur dioxide and gases from the lava flow can, however, increase in other areas and individuals with respiratory concerns are advised to remain indoors and take the necessary safety precautions.

Since late June, this lava flow from the Kilauea volcano has been making its slow advance towards the village of Pahoa in Hawaii's Big Island.

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