The advance of a lava flow from Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has shown signs of slowing, though still posing a risk to a sparsely populated subdivision on the big island of Hawaii.

Darryl Oliveira, director of Hawaii County Civil Defense, told reporters Monday morning the lava from Kilauea is still at least a mile from any homes located in Kaohe Homesteads, reported the Associated Press, which added the lava appears to be moving in a direction parallel to the housing subdivision.

Oliveira said he took a helicopter flight over the area noted the lava had crept about 150 yards from the previous day and seems to be progressing in a northward direction now, although it could well stop and change directions again.

Said a report issued by the HCCD office: "This morning's assessment shows ... very little vegetation is burning and there is no wildfire threat at this time. Weather and fire conditions are being monitored closely. The surface flow has advanced approximately 150 yards since yesterday. Subsurface flow activity also continues. The surface flow is moving very slowly and does not pose an immediate threat to area residents. The surface flow is located approximately .8 miles southwest or upslope of the Wao Kele Puna Forest Reserve boundary and moving in a north direction and parallel to the forest reserve boundary.

"Presently, the current activities and flow does not present with an immediate or imminent threat to area communities. No evacuation is required at this time. Eruption activity will continue to be monitored and additional updates will be provided.

"Although the current flow activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities, residents are encouraged to continue to review their emergency plans in the event conditions change and should an evacuation be necessary.

"The public is reminded that the flow cannot be accessed and is not visible from any public areas. Access to the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision will be restricted and limited to subdivision residents only."

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory earlier last week warned the lava could reach the subdivision in a matter of days.

Oliveira indicated he doesn't expect to issue an evacuation order Monday, although residents should be prepared to leave quickly, since predicting lava movement is often difficult.

Oliveira added says it was raining over the flow site, therefore eliminating the threat of wildfire.