Federal fighters are battling a three-acre fire that has scorched dry ohia and koa trees within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The fire was reported at about 12:50 p.m. Thursday about a quarter-mile west of Kipukapuaulu in an area that abuts the Kau forest. Ferracane said the area gets dry especially in the summer, posing a threat to fires.

“We’ve had an extremely hot and dry summer in the park, and across the island which escalates the risk of fire,” said Jessica Ferracane, spokeswoman of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in a news release.

Thirty-four federal firefighters as well as five engines and a helicopter from the Hawaii County Fire Department responded.

The fire prompted park officials to close Mauna Loa Road from Highway 11 and temporarily evacuate people at the Namakanipaio Campground Thursday.

The blaze has been deemed 50 percent contained as of 8 a.m. today. Ferracane said federal firefighters are at the scene today which is expected to be fully extinguished by the end of the day.

Park rangers have closed Hilina Pali Road from the Mauna Iki Trailhead and Mauna Loa Road at the gate past Kipukapuaulu.

Officials said access to Ainahou Ranch will be restricted to designated personal and authorized vehicles Fuel stoves may be used but campfires are prohibited at the Namakanipaio Campground and Kipukapuaulu until further notice.

No structures were threatened and there were no reports of any injuries.

Park officials said the fire started unintentionally. The cause is under investigation.