No homes destroyed following brush fire in West Kaua‘i; blaze is 100% contained

2:59 p.m. update Tuesday: Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson expressed gratitude for the quick response to the Kauakamani-Hanapēpē that scorched 1,100 acres on Monday.

“This fire came dangerously close to residential neighborhoods and it was only because of the efforts of our first responders and partner agencies that we were successful in protecting life and property,” Kawakami said. “Our island is blessed to have a team who care deeply about the safety and well-being of our people, including our state and county emergency personnel, first responders, community partners, and our partners at PMRF who are always willing to assist when we are in need.”

Kawakami went on to praise the the assistance received from Acting Governor Sylvia Luke who issued an emergency proclamation related to the wildfire.

The proclamation authorized the use of government resources to protect public health and safety, property and natural resources. It authorizes the adjutant general to activate the Hawai‘i National Guard to deploy state resources, as needed, to aid in fire suppression and evacuation.

It also suspends laws that might impede or delay the execution of emergency functions.

“Words cannot express the gratitude of our firefighters and partners who worked quickly and diligently during this wildfire incident,” said Kaua‘i Fire Chief Gibson. “Because of their quick action and tireless ongoing efforts, our community was kept safe and informed throughout this response.”

Original post: No homes were destroyed during a brush fire near Kaumakani and Hanapēpē, which is now 100% contained. The fire scorched an area estimated at 1,100 acres.

As of today, fire personnel with assistance from partners continue to saturate hotspots with air and ground assets in the burned area of West Kaua‘i. The fire Prevention Bureau is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.

With the fire fully contained, the evacuation notice for Kaumakani residents was dropped at approximately 11:55 p.m. on Monday. Kaua‘i Fire Department maintained a fire watch throughout Monday night, with N5 sensors installed in Kaumakani and Hanapēpē Heights to detect flare-ups.

Fire officials have confirmed one structure in Kaumakani Camp was destroyed by the fire. It appears to have been a shed with no homes attached.

The shelters at Waimea High School and Hanapēpē Neighborhood Center were closed as of 5 a.m.

Shortly before 2:55 a.m. on Tuesday, Kaumuali‘i Highway, between Lele Road in Hanapēpē and Kaumakani near Aloha Sweet Delites, was opened for two-way traffic. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative personnel completed repairs and inspections and restored power to members on the west side shortly after 3 a.m.

Officials are advising Kaumakani residents if they are missing their pet, to call the Kaua‘i Humane Society at 808-632-0610.

As of approximately 6 a.m., the Kaua‘i County Department of Water lifted its water conservation notice.