Emergency assets demobilize as DLNR puts out 1,600-acre Koke‘e fire’s remaining hot spots

Officials report that nearly all emergency assets have been demobilized from Koke‘e on the West Side of Kaua‘i, where a brush fire that broke out last Thursday scorched an estimated 1,600 acres.

The fire was 85% contained late Sunday night, after ground crews and helicopter Air 1 spent the day targeting “hot spots.” No injuries had been reported and no structures were threatened at the time.

Only the state of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife remains on scene Monday to conduct final mop-up efforts.

“Once again, we thank everyone involved in this response for their steadfast efforts to ensure the safety of our personnel and our community,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “This incident response followed a strong unified command, and we are grateful for the best outcome as no one was injured and no structures were damaged.”

Both Waimea Canyon Drive and Koke‘e Road remain open. There are no other road closures in place, and the Kaua‘i Emergency Operations Center has stood down operations.