Gay & Robinson personnel help Kaua‘i firefighters extinguish brush fire that scorched 10 acres in Waimea

This story was updated at 4 p.m. Aug. 6.

Kaua‘i firefighters, with assistance from the landowner, extinguished a brush fire the afternoon of Aug. 5 in Waimea that scorched about 10 acres.

Shortly after 2 p.m., multiple fire units were dispatched to the fire reported on a property owned by Gay & Robinson, adjacent to the Paʻulaʻula State Historic Site and the Waimea River mouth. Personnel from the Waimea, Hanapēpē and Līhu‘e fire stations, Rescue 3, Air 1 and the on-duty battalion chief responded.

Upon their arrival, firefighters could not initially access the fire by vehicle because of its remote location. Gay & Robinson personnel on scene guided firefighters through their access gate and began mobilizing heavy equipment to assist in the response.

Air 1 soon arrived and conducted water drops to knock down the blaze. The landowner’s personnel also were able to establish fire breaks with their water tenders, grader and backhoe.

Firefighters were able to quickly gain control of the fire, clearing the scene shortly after 5 p.m.

As ground crews began to demobilize, Air 1 continued water drops while the landowner’s personnel remained on scene to monitor the area for hot spots.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is undetermined.

Weather conditions seem favorable for the possibility of additional wildfires in some portions of the island. The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu has issued a fire weather watch for leeward areas of Kaua‘i County from Monday morning through Tuesday night.

The combination of dry fuels, strong and gusty trade winds and low relative humidity could produce extreme fire behavior in the coming days. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and be difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

The public is advised to monitor for any updates and possible red flag warnings.

A high wind watch also was issued for southwestern, southern and northern Kauaʻi and mountain locations from Monday morning through late Tuesday night. Northeast winds of 25 to 45 mph are expected, with localized gusts over 60 mph possible.

Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel also could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

The public is advised to take precautions now to protect property. Tie down loose objects or move them to a sheltered location.

For weather updates, call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001 or visit the agency’s website.

To sign up for Kaua‘i County’s emergency notification service, visit the County’s website or call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.