HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii – Kīlauea volcano erupted for the 44th time since Dec. 23, 2024, producing large lava fountains in Hawaii on Thursday.
The 44th episode began in the late morning on Thursday, with lava fountains reaching 800 feet, according to the USGS.
Video footage from the USGS shows the south Halemaʻumaʻu crater gushing large lava fountains from the ground.
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As the crater continues to shoot lava, strengthening over time, the risk of tephra falling from volcanic ash clouds and Pele’s Hair increases.
Tephra is a catch-all term that describes various kinds of rocks blasted into the air during eruptions.
As a result, officials from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Service (NPS) have closed the park entrance due to hazardous volcanic material associated with the eruption.
Pele’s Hair consists of thin glass fibers formed by gas during a volcanic eruption, according to the USGS. When gas bubbles near the surface of lava burst, they can stretch the skin of the molten lava into long threads.
These can become airborne and be carried by the wind, posing a threat to humans, as a tiny piece of glass can get lodged in your skin or eyes.
"A combination of fountaining dynamics and wind conditions determines where tephra fall may occur for any given eruption episode," a statement from the USGS said.
As an extra precaution, motorists are advised to avoid the area, with a portion of Highway 11 being closed.
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Lava flows will continue to quickly advance downhill as the powerful Mount Kīlauea continues to produce steadily strengthening lava fountains this evening.
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