HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR031119FirefightersrespondtobrushfiresinKokeeTHE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
mqa MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
C OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: March 11, 2019
KAUA`I FIRE DEPARTMENT
KILIPAKI VAUGHAN, DEPUTY CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-4980
Fax (808) 241-6508
Firefighters respond to brush fires in Koke`e
KOKE`E — Firefighters responded to multiple brush fires that broke out along Koke`e
Road on Sunday.
p.m.
There were no reports of injuries or structural damage.
Roughly 50 acres were scorched before the blaze could be contained at around 5:20
Waimea firefighters with the Kauai Fire Department were first on scene at approximately
5 a.m. and began responding to the first fire, a roughly two -acre blaze. A second unit continued
on to the next fire, about seven acres burning into the valley along the west side of Koke`e
Road.
Firefighters from the Hanapepe fire station arrived on scene and assisted with two other
fires reported along the east side of Koke`e Road. Ground crews consisting of multiple trucks
and engines, and a county water tender, were soon assisted by Rescue 3 personnel aboard Air
1 helicopter.
Personnel with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry
and Wildlife (DOFAW) soon joined the effort, and provided additional manpower and equipment,
including two contracted helicopters to assist in water drops.
A total of 14 KFD units responded to this incident until the fires were under control and
fully extinguished Sunday evening. The scene was turned over to DOFAW personnel for further
monitoring.
Koke`e Road, between Kekaha Road and Waimea Canyon Drive, was closed until
approximately 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Waimea Canyon and Koke`e State Park remained accessible
via Waimea Canyon Drive.
The cause of the fires have not yet been determined. Anyone with information is urged
to call police immediate at 241-1711.
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