Hawaii's Kilauea volcano continued to spatter and ooze lava out of its eastern flank into a residential area.

Scientists say the risks of an explosive summit eruption will rise in coming weeks as magma drains down the flank of the volcano, heating groundwater and sending steam into the air that would push any accumulated rocks out in an explosion.

Kilauea has destroyed 36 structures - including 26 homes - since it began releasing lava from vents about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of the summit crater.

There are now 15 of the vents spread through Leilani Estates and neighboring Lanipuna Gardens.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was expected to shut down in anticipation of a possible explosive event.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige said a geothermal energy plant near the lava outbreak was accelerating its removal of stored flammable gas.