The one thing that might be somewhat of a consolation is that they will be allowed to watch as their homes are destroyed. This decision was made so that it might provide some kind of closure for them. They will also be allowed to take pictures and video for insurance purposes.
While the lava has not yet reached the first house, the owners left but then came back for a few more possessions. Some of the others have already left.
Lava will destroy anything it touches. It has temperatures of 1,832F (1,000C) and efforts to divert are costly and often futile.
* * * * * * *
Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-29805102
* * * * * * *
Photo Credit: Unchanged; from https://www.flickr.com/photos/wolfgangfoto/2599022696
* * * * * * *
Keywords: lava, volcano, Kilauea, Pahoa, evacuating