Kilauea Volcano

A fast-moving stream of lava came within one mile of a residential area today before an eight-hour outburst by Kilauea Volcano ended. "It (the flow) will pose no threat to any developed property," said Reggie Okamura, assistant scientist in charge of the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The activity occurred in an eruptive vent 12 miles from Kilauea's summit on the big island of Hawaii.

The Kilauea volcano spewed molten rock 1,000 feet into the air before dawn Friday, beginning the 35th phase of its 2 1/2-year-long eruption.

A geologist was listed in satisfactory condition Thursday after falling thigh-deep into lava at Kilauea Volcano while dressed in a heat-resistant suit, authorities said. George Ulrich was taking samples at a vent site Wednesday afternoon when congealed lava crust broke beneath him, plunging him into 2,000-degree molten rock, said Reggie Okamura, acting scientist in charge of the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Ulrich is a staff geologist at the observatory.

The Kilauea volcano abruptly ended the 29th phase of its 2-year-old eruption Friday after shooting fire fountains 1,500 feet high and emitting a spectacular fireball cloud visible for miles. Scientists said the stunning red plume cloud, produced by atmospheric conditions, hovered over the fiery fountain for much of the night. It lit up the southern sky and it was observed by island residents miles away from the remote eruption site on the lava-encrusted island of Hawaii.