Lava fountains reaching up to 1,000 feet erupted from the summit of Kilauea early this morning, marking the start of another episode in the volcano’s ongoing eruptive cycle.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said high fountaining began at 5:13 a.m., following a series of smaller gas-piston events that started just before 11 p.m. Thursday. The activity is confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

By 6 a.m., lava fountains from the north vent peaked at 800 to 1,000 feet, before settling to oscillate around 328 to 492 feet. Multiple lava streams were active by 6:10 a.m., covering roughly 30% to 40% of the crater floor. The eruption remains within a closed area of the park.

This latest activity, classified as “episode 22,” follows a pattern of short-lived fountaining events that began in December. Most episodes have lasted a day or less, with pauses between eruptions lasting several days.

The primary concern remains high levels of volcanic gases, particularly sulfur dioxide, which reacts in the atmosphere to form vog (volcanic smog). Depending on wind direction, vog can affect air quality miles downwind of the eruption site and cause respiratory irritation.

Other hazards include “Pele’s hair” — strands of volcanic glass produced by lava fountains — and other fine fragments, which can cause skin and eye irritation. These materials can be carried far from the vent by wind.

Additionally, areas near the caldera rim remain dangerous due to unstable crater walls, rockfalls and ground cracking. The area around Halemaʻumaʻu has been closed to the public since 2007 due to persistent hazards.

No unusual activity has been observed along Kilauea’s East or Southwest Rift Zones, and the eruption remains confined to the summit region.