Update: Helicopters dropping water until sundown, fire above Wainiha Powerhouse Road remains 60% contained

Update at 4:15 p.m. on Sept. 19: About 60% of a blaze on a ridge above Wainiha Powerhouse Road remains contained by firefighters, according to Kaua‘i County officials.

Air 1 and Air 3 will continue with water drops until sundown Thursday, with firefighters assessing hot spots. Fire crews and private landowners will then keep watch overnight, with a command post at Camp Naue, until firefighting efforts continue Friday morning.

There are no road closures or fire threats to homes at this time.

Update at 1:55 p.m. Sept. 19: Kaua’i County reports that firefighters continue to battle a 20-acre brush fire on a ridge above Wainiha Powerhouse Road, with about 60% contained.

Air 1 and Air 3 are conducting water drops. Firefighters also were able to access portions of the fire and are assessing hot spots using utility task vehicles.

Original post from 8:26 a.m. Sept. 19: Kaua‘i firefighters continue to monitor a 20-acre brush fire that began Wednesday night in Wainiha.

Fire crews could only keep watch of the blaze overnight after it was reported at about 8:45 p.m. burning on a ridge above Wainiha Powerhouse Road overnight because the terrain of the area makes it inaccessible. However, Kaua‘i County reported at 6 a.m. today that Air 1 would begin at 7 a.m. making water drops in the area.

A second smaller fire also “fizzled out” overnight.

A command post was established at Camp Naue. Fire personnel are also patrolling Wainiha Powerhouse Road and the Hā‘ena area.

Officials received reports of smoke entering homes in the area, but there are no fire threats to homes or road closures in place at this time.

Personnel with the Hanalei Fire Station, Tanker 1, the on-duty battalion chief, private landowners and the Kaua‘i Police Department are responding to the fire.

Emergency personnel with the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency are also on standby if additional support is needed.

Updates will be issued when more information is available.