Hawaii ? A third large crack has formed on Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, park officials said Wednesday. A forest area that is home to rare plants and species could be in danger.

The fissure, spotted in an area a few miles southeast of Kilauea’s summit, is near two others discovered since hundreds of small earthquakes were recorded in the area Sunday, suggesting magma, or underground lava, was shifting beneath the surface. Kilauea is on the big island of Hawaii.

The fissure was spewing steam, but was not oozing lava like the others did. Heat from the fissures could spark a fire, scientists said.

The area is home to honeycreeper birds, happy face spiders and damselflies. There are also native trees and ferns found nowhere else in the state.

Officials were considering setting up water pools in the area to help extinguish possible fires.