Kilauea sent most Royal Gardens residents packing years ago but now there are new fears for outsiders.

Authorities worry sightseers will be risking their lives to see the fiery flow.

The lava has destroyed three abandoned homes on the Big Island.

The remote subdivision is supposed to be off-limits to visitors but some are ignoring the signs and making the dangerous three-mile hike to the active flow.

Lava is pushing its way through Royal Gardens, consuming everything in its path. Smoke and fire are obvious hazards but authorities warn what people can't see can also be deadly.

"We're talking about methane gas explosions. We're talking about very rough terrain where we've had an individual die falling in a crevice," said Hawaii County mayor Harry Kim.

Dean Schneider is one of two men living in the nearly deserted subdivision. He enjoys the isolation but recently he has noticed more sightseers coming in.

"I enjoy my privacy. It's unique. Since the 11th of January I've had about 20 people come by my house. In four years I haven't had that many people," Schneider said.

Access to the area is supposed to be restricted to residents. Kim is worried visitors could be tempted to get a closer look because if the flow continues at the same rate, lava will be more visible in the next few days.

"The longer the lava moves seaward, the closer and easier it will be for people to access and the greater the problem will be," Kim said.

Kim said the two occupied homes are not in immediate danger but lava could cover the only remaining path in and out of the area.

"I've been riding in and out on my motorcycle for a dozen years now so it'll be a problem. I don't want to walk," said Royal Gardens resident Jack Thompson.

Those who have lived with the threat for years are aware of the risks but they are determined to stay put until Madame Pele makes them move.

"I'm here for the duration, whatever happens, until Madame takes the house. I'll leave with my toothbrush," Thompson said.

Kim said he plans to meet with state and federal officials to discuss possibly posting a guard at the entrance. Another option is controlling access to make it safer for visitors.

"We've had people die, some of them very tragically. People should be aware that the hazards are very serious," Kim said.

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