PAHOA, HAWAII » The new leading edge of the Puna lava flow is still active but moving gradually downslope, while weather conditions may be conducive for more brush fires this week.

Fire Department officials have been working to add more firebreaks in the area as a precaution.

The breakout on the north side of the stalled former flow front remained about 700 yards from Highway 130, mauka of the Pahoa police and fire stations, on Monday.

"We saw very little movement or advancement on that breakout that was moving down and became the leading edge," Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oli­veira said.

Two other breakouts about 1 to 1.5 miles farther upslope also were active, but sluggish, Oli­veira said.

These breakouts are currently in a drainage area leading to a steepest-descent path that crosses Highway 130 about 0.6 mile south of the Maku‘u Craft & Farmers Market.

Meanwhile, Oliveira said, Hawaii County firefighters continued to monitor brush fires sparked by the lava. The brush fires burned hundreds of acres of foliage last week and had since been contained; however, hot spots and flare-ups remained within fire perimeters.

Oliveira said Lower Puna saw some relief on Sunday when a bit of rainfall came through the area.

"That helped a lot with the brush fire conditions," he said.

But according to Marlon Vera­samy, meteorological technician with the National Weather Service in Hilo, weather conditions on the east side of the island are expected to be slightly dry with a possibility of scattered showers until Friday.

"Should be kind of dry," he said. "Winds are expected to be light during the next few days."

Civil Defense reported Monday there was no fire threat to area residents and properties, while smoke conditions were light to moderate with a light east wind.