Frday afternoon, cell phone alerts and warnings started regarding yet another Kauai wildfire that began. At that time, they called for a voluntary evacuation of the Kokee/Waimea State Park areas. This is the third significant fire on Kauai in the past week. It comes as we note that the island has become extremely dry and brown for the first time in quite a while. A 1,100 acre wildfire not far from today’s Kauai fire occurred four days ago in the area from from Hanapepe to Kaumakani.
Updated Saturday 7/20/24 8 pm.
The County has reported that the 1,300 acre fire is now 70% contained. Helicopters are done for the night but will resume tomorrow morning. Ground crews are working through the night. One of the helicopters had an issue that resulted in an emergency landing and is temporarily out of service.
Yesterday’s voluntary evacuation (or shelter-in-place) has ended and Kokee Road has reopened. Waimea Canyon Drive will remain closed until further notice. Utility power has been restored.
Beat of Hawaii is currently nearby on Kauai at Kekaha. Check back as we will be updating this as we receive more information from our location, the Coconut wireless, and friends who are currently located at Kokee State Park.
UPDATE: As of 6:43 pm, Jeff reports three distinct areas are visible with flames spread over a large distance and visible from Kekaha town. There are 4 helicopters dropping water. Areas that seemed to be extinguished before are no longer so and have flames again. Behind the flames is smoke mixed with clouds suggesting more fires. We are wondering why Kauai has no fixed-wing aircraft to drop water. It’s starting to get dark and the helicopters will need to stop soon.
Emergency Alert. Voluntary evacuation is recommended for the Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Park areas due to potential for extended road closures. There is no immediate fire threat to Kokee at this time, but firefighting efforts may result in extended area isolation. Persons unable to shelter in place should leave immediately via Kokee Rd.
Kauai Emergency Management Agency
Emergency officials on Kauai are recommending voluntary evacuations for both visitors and residents due to an ongoing brush fire in which the wind has changed directions.
Tracking current location of Kauai fire.
The fire started near Kokee Road on the West Side of Kauai, and is continuing to burn as firefighters work to control the blaze. The evacuation is not mandatory at this time, and it was reported that there is no immediate threat. It’s possible that there will be extended road closures which is why people are being asked to leave. For more information about the fire’s location you can refer to this NASA Fire Management Resource.
The scope of the fire is not yet known. Currently, no injuries have been reported, and no structures are said to have been threatened.
We believe, but cannot confirm, that news agencies may be erroneously reporting on 300 acres burned. It’s our understanding that this is instead from a report last month, when a brush fire started off Waimea Canyon Road caused by a car fire. This will be updated.
Electric power lines have been de-engergized in the area.
At around 12 p.m., Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) de-energized the Kokee circuit at the request of the Kauai Emergency Management Agency, affecting approximately 116 customers. There is no estimated time for power restoration.
More about Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks.
Kokee State Park, covering over 4,345 acres, and Waimea Canyon State Park, encompassing approximately 1,866 acres, are two of Kauai’s most significant natural and remote areas. Kokee State Park, located on a plateau between 3,200 and 4,200 feet above sea level, offers extensive hiking trails, vibrant native flora and fauna, cultural events like the Emalani Festival, and is the home to the Kokee Natural History Museum that provides insights into the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Adjacent to Kokee, Waimea Canyon State Park, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” features an unequaled 14-mile long, 3,600-foot deep canyon with dramatic red and green hues. It is renowned for among other things, spectacular waterfalls. The park’s scenic lookouts, including Puu Hinahina and Puu o Kila, offer breathtaking views of the canyon and the Na Pali Coast. Both parks are integral to Kauai’s ecological and cultural landscape, attracting numerous visitors for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities, such as hiking.
Latest update from the County of Kauai Emergency Management.
No residential homes are affected, and no shelters are available at this time. Multiple ground and air units continue to fight the fire, with no injuries or structural threats reported. Key roads, including Waimea Canyon Drive and parts of Kokee Road, remain closed to facilitate emergency response efforts.
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) de-energized the Kokee circuit at KEMA’s request, affecting 116 members, with no estimated time for power restoration.
The Kauai Emergency Operations Center remains partially activated, coordinating efforts among various responding agencies, including the Kauai Fire Department, DLNR, Kauai Police Department, and others.
Mahalo to Snyder to caution other hikers despite his serious injuries, emphasizes the importance of researching trails, informing others of hiking plans, considering the risks to first responders, and avoiding closed areas.
Be safe everyone
Thank you for these updates! I hope that everyone stays safe and mother nature also helps out with some showers soon.
Yes, especially Maui. We need rain!
I am sorry Kauai is having multiple wildfires, yet I haven’t read how they started. Here in CA ours can be started by something as common as a welding spark, hot muffler from off-road vehicles etc.