5,000 fire evacuees allowed to return home in Hawaii

Nearly 5,000 people ordered to flee their homes because of a huge brush fire on Hawaii’s Big Island were allowed to return, finding their property dusted with a layer of ash but otherwise undamaged.

In spite of authorities reopening the area, Waikoloa Village appeared all but abandoned yesterday as National Guard helicopters joined local firefighters in trying to contain the massive blaze in its third day.