KOKEE, Hawaii — Kauai Fire Department firefighters are battling a large brush fire in Kokee. In an update Thursday afternoon, KFD stated that the fire is 60% contained and that officials from the department and the Kauai Department of Public Works continue to support Hawaii DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
“We are thankful to our fire crews and partners who continue to respond to this large brush fire," said KFD Chief Michael Gibson. “Although the blaze is not yet contained, fire breaks in the area maintained by DLNR DOFAW and private landowners have greatly reduced the spread of the fire.”
The Agribusiness Development Corporation said in a release Thursday that approximately 500 acres of ADC land was also burned. ADC is a state agency attached to the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Its mission is to conserve and convert arable lands and their associated infrastructure that were formerly large mono-crop plantation lands into new, productive uses.
"While we had ample moisture this spring and the vegetation is green, this is a perfect example of how invasive non-native plants like haole koa and Guinea grass provide hearty fuel for wildfires," said Sheri S. Mann, DOFAW Kauai branch manager.
On Friday, KFD said the fire has burned through approximately 300 acres on the mauka side of the area near Waimea Canyon Drive, according to a news release. KFD originally said Thursday that they estimated the fire burned through 1,200 acres, but later said limited visibility because of darkness and smoke had made it difficult to accurately assess the fire's extent before daylight.
Officials have reported that there are no injuries and no homes or structures are threatened.
The Kauai Police Department closed Waimea Canyon Drive from mile marker 2 to the intersection at Kokee Road.
Two KFD helicopters and private helicopters are dropping water on the brush fire. Seventeen DOFAW firefighters and ten KFD firefighters assisted, keeping flames isolated mostly within the perimeter of existing firebreaks.
First responders received a report of the brush fire at 2:50 a.m. Thursday.
The KFD Fire Prevention Bureau believes a car fire, just off Waimea Canyon Drive, may have started the fire.
Below are photos of the fire:
Editor's note: this story has been updated with information from KFD, ADC and DLNR. (June 14, 2024)