Update: Fire crews hope to reach full containment of Hukipo Fire in Kōkeʻe today

10:19 a.m. June 14 update: A brush fire above Waimea scorched about 300 acres of invasive grants and plants and as of this morning, crews hope to fully contain the blaze.

The fire, named the Hukipo fire, was initially reported Thursday morning. Fire investigators believe a car fire, just off Waimea Canyon Drive, may have started the fire. Their investigation continues.

Quick actions by firefighters from the Kaua‘i Fire Department and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), kept a fast-moving brush fire above Waimea from spreading beyond an estimated 300 acres.

Crews were aided by firebreaks surrounding former agriculture lands that are cleared by DOFAW crews at the beginning of each summer fire season. The blaze was 60%-contained as of Thursday evening. 

Today, DOFAW has five firefighters working the blaze. Crews have seen a handful of “smokers” within the perimeter of the fire, but none outside.

On Thursday, 17 DOFAW firefighters, 10 KFD firefighters and two KFD helicopters conducted water drops, which kept flames isolated mostly within the perimeter of existing firebreaks.

“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 Kaua‘i branch manager.

Fire prevention experts caution people not to park cars over dry grass, to use care when using tools that can spread sparks, to be sure campfires are out cold, and not to set off fireworks.

“Between the high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds today, we were lucky,” Mann said.

As predicted drought conditions intensify in the coming months, the possibility of larger and more intense wildfires increases. Fire managers and the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization urge everyone to become educated about the causes of wildfires and to take steps now to protect their homes and property.”

3:20 p.m. June 13 update: Kaua‘i Fire Department firefighters and county and state officials remain on scene and continue to battle a brush fire that broke out in Kōke‘e early Thursday morning.

According to officials, the fire is about 60% contained. County officials from the Kaua‘i Fire Department and the Department of Public Works continue to support personnel from the Hawai‘i DLNR Department 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.”

No injuries have been reported, and no homes or structures have been threatened. Waimea Canyon Drive from mile marker 2 to the junction at Kōke‘e Road remains closed.

Update at 12 noon: Kaua‘i firefighters continue to battle a 1,200-acre brush fire in Kōke‘e. As of about 10 a.m., Kaua‘i Fire Department, county and state officials remained at the scene.

No injuries have been reported. No homes or structures have been threatened.

Waimea Canyon Drive remains closed from the 2-mile marker to the junction at Kōke‘e Road.

The Fire Department’s Air 1 and 2, along with private helicopters, also continued to drop water on the blaze located mauka (mountain side) of Waimea Canyon Drive. Officials from the Fire Department and Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works continue to support personnel from the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

First responders received a report of the brush fire at nearly 3 a.m. Thursday near Waimea Canyon Drive.

Firefighters with the Waimea and Hanapēpē fire stations, on-duty battalion chief, the Kaua‘i Police Department, Public Works, the Division of Forestry and Wildlife and firefighters with the Pacific Missile Range Facility responded to the incident.

Officials with the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency continue to monitor the situation and support on-scene personnel.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Personnel with the Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau are on the scene.

Updates will be provided when more information becomes available.

Original post from 9:43 a.m. June 13: The Kauaʻi Fire Department continues to battle a large brush fire near Waimea Canyon Drive in Kōkeʻe.

As of 8 a.m. today, Air 1 and 2, along with private helicopters, were dropping water on the estimated 1,200-acre blaze. The helicopters arrived sometime about 7 a.m.

No homes or structures are threatened at this time.

Personnel from the Kaua‘i Police Department, Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife and Pacific Missile Range Facility began supporting firefighters since about 4 a.m. today after the fire started.

Officials from the Fire Department and Public Works continued at 8 a.m. to support Division of Forestry and Wildlife personnel.

Officials with the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency also were monitoring the fire shortly before 6 a.m.

Waimea Canyon Drive from the 2-mile marker to the junction at Kōke‘e Road is closed.

Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.