In this Friday, May 11, 2018 photo released by the U.S. Geological Survey, an ash plume rises from the Overlook Vent in Halema'uma'u crater of the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. Geologists warn that the volcano could shoot out large boulders and ash out of its summit crater. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP)

PAHOA, Hawaii - The Latest on the eruption of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii (all times local):

12:15 p.m.

Scientists say the number of active fissures spawned by the Kilauea (kih-luh-WAY'-uh) volcano in Hawaii is 17, not 18.

The U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says geologists in the field have determined a fissure that opened Saturday did not emit any lava. Since there was no lava, it's not considered an active fissure.

An active fissure that was reported Sunday morning initially was called No. 18 but will be labeled No. 17.

Observatory scientist Steve Brantley says this most recent fissure measures 1,000 feet (300 metres) but is not acting vigorously. There is some intermittent spatter but no substantial lava flow.

Residents on Hawaii's Big Island have been bracing for a possible steam eruption that would be explosive enough to hurl rocks and ash.

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6:55 a.m.

Officials say a new lava fissure has been reported and are ordering more evacuations on Hawaii's Big Island.

The Hawaii County Civil Defence issued an alert Sunday morning that steam and lava spatter are coming from an 18th fissure caused by the Kilauea volcano.

The agency says the fissure is to the west of Highway 132 along Hale Kamahina Loop Road.

They are ordering residents on that road to evacuate. Two community centres are open to shelter people and pets.

This latest opening comes the morning after two other fissures opened.

Geologists warn that Kilauea's summit could have an explosive steam eruption that would hurl rocks and ash miles into the sky.

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5:50 a.m.

New lava fissures, ground deformation and abundant volcanic gases indicate eruptions on the eastern flank of Kilauea volcano are likely to continue.

Two new fissures opened on Saturday, bringing the total number of lava outbreaks in and around Leilani Estates to 17.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports that the latest fissure, which opened Saturday night, was spattering but no flow had yet formed. Fissure No. 16 opened and spilled lava into an open field earlier in the day.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports the fissures opened just east of the Puna Geothermal Venture plant. Plant workers last week removed 50,000 gallons of pentane stored at the site as a precaution.

Geologists warn that Kilauea's summit could have an explosive steam eruption that would hurl rocks and ash miles into the sky.

News from © The Associated Press, 2018