Lava from Hawaii volcano continues slow flow

In this Sept. 1, 2014 photo released by the U.S. Geological Survey, fluid lava streams from the June 27 lava flow from the Kilauea volcano in Pahoa, Hawaii. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued a warning Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014 to a rural community in the path of a lava flow on Hawaii’s Big Island, as the molten rock moved to within a mile of homes. AP/U.S. Geological Survey

PUNA, Hawaii – The hot lava flowing from Hawaii’s active volcano has quickened its creep toward a sparsely populated neighborhood.

Authorities say residents on the Big Island don’t have to evacuate but should prepare to do so. They say the flow does not pose an immediate threat and the nearest homes are about a mile away.

The Hawaii Civil Defense Agency said Sunday that a helicopter inspection of the area shows the lava had flowed about 200 yards since Saturday. The agency reported the flow advanced about 50 yards between Friday and Saturday and 150 yards from Thursday to Friday.

The flow was moving at almost 300 yards (275 meters) a day earlier in the week.

Officials say the lava could reach the residential area in about week.