Update: Kaua‘i firefighters extinguish 2 small brush fires in Pākala area in vicinity of Kaumualiʻi Highway

Update at 3:57 p.m. Oct. 3: Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel extinguished two brush fires the afternoon of Oct. 3 in the vicinity of Kaumualiʻi Highway near mile markers 21 and 22 in the Pākala area.

The fires were reported shortly after 2:15 p.m.

The first fire is estimated to have been 200-by-15-yards in size. The second blaze was smaller, and was located about 1 mile to the east.

No injuries or damaged structures were reported.

Firefighters are wrapping up and and units will be released to return to quarters shortly. Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency continues to monitor the situation.

Kaumualiʻi Highway is again open to alternating traffic near mile markers 21 and 22; however, the westbound lane remains closed because of a compromised utility pole.

Keep an eye on the Kaua‘i Police Department Facebook page for road closure updates.

Original post at 3:07 p.m. Oct. 3: Kaua‘i Fire Department firefighters are responding to a brush fire of an unknown size that was reported at 2:15 p.m. Oct. 3 in Pākala.

No injuries or damaged structures have been reported.

Crews with the Hanapēpē, Kalāheo and Waimea fire stations, Rescue 3, Tender 3 and Air 1 along with the on-duty battalion chief are on the scene and working to extinguish the blaze.

Heavy equipment at the site is cutting a fire break. Crews with Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works are on standby.

Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency is monitoring the incident.

Both lanes of Kaumualiʻi Highway, near mile markers 21 and 22, are closed because of a compromised utility pole.

Updates will be provided when additional information becomes available.