Kokee Brush Fire – Kauaʻi 7/19-7/20
Posted on Jul 19, 2024 in Hot Topics, Important Events, MainKIUC Update :
Sat 7/20 10:43 am – KIUC has re-energized the Kokee circuit. Two poles experienced some damage but will be replaced at a later date. We appreciate our members’ patience and understanding.
Sat 7/20 7:54 am – KIUC personnel are inspecting poles and lines potentially impacted by the fire. There is no estimate yet on when power will be restored to Kokee. Those impacted should prepare for an extended outage in the event repairs or pole replacements are necessary.
More information will be shared as it becomes available.
More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Due to unsafe conditions, KIUC is unable to inspect its poles and lines for damage from the fire. We continue to monitor the situation but expect power to remain out for Kokee throughout the night.
More information will be shared as it becomes available.
KIUC crews are closely monitoring the Kokee brush fire and its proximity to utility infrastructure. Based on current conditions, it may be necessary to de-energize the circuit feeding Kokee.
We will provide as much notice as possible before de-energization; however, members in Kokee should prepare now for a possible extended outage.
More information will be shared as it becomes available. Mahalo.
UPDATE 2:00 pm: Power has been restored.
There’s an outage in Kukuiula/Poipu area. Our troubleshooter has been dispatched.
UPDATE 12:30 pm: At the request of the Kauai Emergency Management Agency and for the safety of all emergency response crews fighting this wildfire, KIUC will de-energize the Kokee circuit effective immediately. There is no estimated timeframe at this point for re-energizing that circuit. Approximately 116 members are affected.
KIUC continues to monitor its infrastructure in the area and reports no damage at this time.
We appreciate the patience and understanding of our members as all parties work to contain the fire.
MEMBER ADVISORY 10:55 am: KIUC crews are closely monitoring the Kokee brush fire and its proximity to utility infrastructure. Based on current conditions, it may be necessary to de-energize the circuit feeding Kokee.
We will provide as much notice as possible before de-energization; however, members in Kokee should prepare now for a possible sudden and extended outage. Preparation tips can be found on KIUC’s website: www.kiuc.coop/wildfire
More information will be shared as it becomes available. Mahalo.
County of Kauaʻi Update:
–5:45 p.m., July 21, Official County of Kaua‘i Update: Waimea Canyon Drive will reopen at 7 p.m.–
KOKE‘E – The Koke‘e fire remains at 85% contained as of Sunday evening, following efforts to address numerous hot spots throughout the day. Units will resume final mop up efforts Monday morning. Fire officials estimate approximately 1,600 acres have been burned since Thursday.
In addition to ground crews on scene, Air 1 was also mobilized on Sunday to conduct water drops over remaining hot spots. Air 1 has since suspended efforts for the day.
No injuries have been reported and no structures are currently threatened.
ROAD CLOSURES: Waimea Canyon Drive will reopen to two-way traffic at 7 p.m., Sunday. Koke‘e Road remains open.
RESPONDING AGENCIES: Responding agencies throughout the duration of this incident include the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) – Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Kaua‘i Police Department, Department of Public Works, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Līhu‘e Airport – Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), Kekaha Agriculture Association, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (DOT) Highways Division, Hawai‘i National Guard, and multiple private contractors.
The Kaua‘i Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be at an Enhanced Steady State overnight.
Updates will continue to be posted as information becomes available.
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–8:30 a.m., July 21, Official County of Kaua‘i Update: Koke‘e fire at 85% contained–
KOKE‘E – Multiple units demobilized from Koke‘e Saturday night after containing approximately 85% of the fire in an ongoing response since Thursday. A fire watch was in place overnight and various crews returned Sunday morning to continue final efforts and ensure all hot spots are extinguished.
Ground crews with the Kaua‘i Fire Department and Department of Land and Natural Resources will remain on scene Sunday, while air assets and other ground resources will be on standby if needed. Additionally, personnel from the Hawai‘i National Guard remain on scene providing operational support.
There have been no injuries reported and no structures are currently threatened.
ROAD CLOSURES: Waimea Canyon Drive remains closed in both directions at this time. Koke‘e Road remains open.
RESPONDING AGENCIES: Responding agencies throughout the duration of this incident include the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) – Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Kaua‘i Police Department, Department of Public Works, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Līhu‘e Airport – Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), Kekaha Agriculture Association, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (DOT) Highways Division, Hawai‘i National Guard, and multiple private contractors.
“I can’t thank our team enough for their diligent and unified response to this wildfire incident – which has been the third large brush fire we’ve encountered in just one week,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “Mahalo to all of our partners including the Hawai‘i National Guard, PMRF, multiple state-, county-, and private-entities, and several community organizations who stayed on scene with us for several days to provide equipment and operators throughout the day and night. Thank you for once again answering our call and coming to our aid as we worked together to protect our community.”
The Kaua‘i Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains partially activated under a unified command.
Updates will continue to be posted as information becomes available.
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–5:30 p.m., July 20, Official County of Kaua‘i Update: Koke‘e fire at 70% contained; Koke‘e Road will reopen at 7 p.m.–
KOKE‘E – Fire officials report that the Koke‘e fire is estimated to be 70% contained as of Saturday evening with approximately 1,300 acres burned. Air assets will suspend their efforts at nightfall and will resume Sunday morning. Ground crews will continue their efforts through the night.
No injuries have been reported and no structures are currently threatened.
ROAD CLOSURES: Koke‘e Road will reopen to two-way traffic at 7 p.m., Saturday. Waimea Canyon Drive will remain closed in both directions until further notice.
VOLUNTARY EVACUATION/SHELTER IN PLACE LIFTED: The voluntary evacuation/shelter in place notice in Koke‘e will be lifted at 7 p.m., with the reopening of Koke‘e Road.
KIUC: KIUC has re-energized the Koke‘e circuit as of 10:45 a.m. Saturday. Two poles experienced some damage but will be replaced at a later date.
RESPONDING AGENCIES: Responding agencies include the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) – Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Kaua‘i Police Department, Department of Public Works, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Līhu‘e Airport – Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), Kekaha Agriculture Association, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (DOT) Highways Division, Hawai‘i National Guard, and multiple private contractors.
The Kaua‘i Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains partially activated under a unified command.
Updates will continue to be posted as information becomes available.
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–8:30 a.m., July 20, Update: Koke‘e brush fire response continues Saturday–
KOKE‘E – The multi-agency response to the Koke‘e brush fire remains ongoing Saturday, with air assets deployed this morning.
Overnight ground crews responded to a flare up on the eastern flank of the fire Friday night, which did not threaten any structures. The blaze subsided around 2:30 a.m. and greatly diminished by 4 a.m. Saturday. Crews remain on scene as the fire is still estimated to be 40% contained.
No injuries have been reported and no structures are currently threatened.
ROAD CLOSURES: Koke‘e Road and Waimea Canyon Drive remain closed in both directions until further notice for firefighting operations.
SHELTER IN PLACE: A voluntary evacuation for the Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Park areas was initiated Friday, and a shelter in place is now in effect in Koke‘e as extended road closures continue. There are no residential homes in this area. As such, no shelters are available at this time.
KIUC: KIUC personnel are inspecting poles and lines potentially impacted by the fire. There is no estimate yet on when power will be restored to Koke‘e. Those impacted should prepare for an extended outage in the event repairs or pole replacements are necessary. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
RESPONDING AGENCIES: Responding agencies include the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) – Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Kaua‘i Police Department, Department of Public Works, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Līhu‘e Airport – Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), Kekaha Agriculture Association, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (DOT) Highways Division, Hawai‘i National Guard, and multiple private contractors.
The Kaua‘i Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains partially activated under a unified command.
Updates will continue to be posted as information becomes available.
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–7:45 p.m., July 19, Update: Koke‘e Road, Waimea Canyon Drive now closed in both directions–
KOKE‘E – Koke‘e Road and Waimea Canyon Drive are now closed in both directions until further notice for firefighting operations. Please continue to avoid the area.
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–5:45 p.m. July 19, Update: Air assets will suspend firefighting efforts in Koke‘e at nightfall; ground crews will remain on scene through Friday night–
KOKE‘E – Fire officials report that air assets will suspend their firefighting efforts in Koke‘e at nightfall and will resume Saturday morning. Ground crews will continue their efforts through the night as the fire is currently estimated to be 40% contained.
No injuries have been reported and no structures are currently threatened.
VOUNTARY EVACUATION: A voluntary evacuation for the Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Park areas remains in effect. There continues to be no immediate fire threat to the area, however, extended road closures could result in isolation. Those unable to shelter in place are urged to leave the area immediately and will be allowed to exit through Koke‘e Road.
There are no residential homes in this area. As such, no shelters are available at this time.
KIUC: Due to unsafe conditions, KIUC is unable to inspect its poles and lines for damage from the fire. KIUC continues to monitor the situation but expects power to remain out for Koke‘e throughout the night.
ROAD CLOSURES: In order to accommodate first responders, Waimea Canyon Drive is closed from Panini Place to the Waimea Canyon Drive and Koke‘e Road junction. Residents on Panini Place will not be affected by the closure. Koke‘e Road remains closed from Kekaha Road to Waimea Canyon Drive, and is expected to remain closed for the duration of this incident. However, those evacuating Koke‘e or Waimea Canyon Drive will be allowed to exit through Koke‘e Road.
RESPONDING AGENCIES: Responding agencies include the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) – Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Kaua‘i Police Department, Department of Public Works, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Līhu‘e Airport – Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), Kekaha Agriculture Association, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (DOT) Highways Division, Hawai‘i National Guard, and multiple private contractors.
The Kaua‘i Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains partially activated.
Updates will continue to be posted as information becomes available.
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–2:30 p.m., July 19, Update: Voluntary evacuation recommended for Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Park areas due to extended road closures–
KOKE‘E – Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) is recommending a voluntary evacuation for the Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Park areas. There is no immediate fire threat to the area, however, extended road closures could result in isolation. Those unable to shelter in place are urged to leave the area immediately and will be allowed to exit through Koke‘e Road.
There are no residential homes in this area. As such, no shelters are available at this time.
Multiple ground and air assets continue to fight the Koke‘e fire that broke out Thursday evening. No injuries have been reported and there is no current threat to structures.
The Kaua‘i Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains partially activated and reports the following updates:
KIUC: At the request of the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency and for the safety of all emergency response crews fighting this wildfire, KIUC has de-energized the Koke‘e circuit. There is no estimated timeframe at this point for re-energizing that circuit. Approximately 116 members are affected. KIUC continues to monitor its infrastructure in the area and reports no damage at this time.
ROAD CLOSURES: In order to accommodate first responders, Waimea Canyon Drive remains closed from Panini Place to the Waimea Canyon Drive and Koke‘e Road junction. Residents on Panini Place will not be affected by the closure. Koke‘e Road remains closed from Kekaha Road to Waimea Canyon Drive, and is expected to remain closed for the duration of this incident. However, those evacuating Koke‘e or Waimea Canyon Drive will be allowed to exit through Koke‘e Road.
KPD DISPATCH: Kaua‘i Police Dispatch advises the community not to call 9-1-1 for updates. Only call for EMERGENCIES.
Responding agencies include the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) – Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Kaua‘i Police Department, Department of Public Works, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Līhu‘e Airport – Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), Kekaha Agriculture Association, Waalani Enterprises, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (DOT) Highways Division, Hawai‘i National Guard, Airborne Aviation, and other private contractors.
Updates will be posted as information becomes available.
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–1:30 p.m., July 19, Update: KIUC de-energizes Koke‘e circuit as firefighting efforts continue–
POKI‘I RIDGE – Multiple ground and air assets continue to fight the Koke‘e fire that broke out Thursday evening. No injuries have been reported and there is no current threat to structures.
The public is urged to avoid the area.
The Kaua‘i Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains partially activated and reports the following updates:
KIUC: At the request of the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency and for the safety of all emergency response crews fighting this wildfire, Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) has de-energized the Koke‘e circuit. There is no estimated timeframe at this point for re-energizing that circuit. Approximately 116 members are affected. KIUC continues to monitor its infrastructure in the area and reports no damage at this time.
ROAD CLOSURES: Waimea Canyon Drive is now closed from Panini Place to the Waimea Canyon Drive and Koke‘e Road junction. Residents on Panini Place will not be affected by the closure. Koke‘e Road remains closed from Kekaha Road to Waimea Canyon Drive, and is expected to remain closed for the duration of this incident.
KPD DISPATCH: Kaua‘i Police Dispatch advises the community not to call 9-1-1 for updates. Only call for EMERGENCIES.
Responding agencies include the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) – Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Kaua‘i Police Department, Department of Public Works, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Līhu‘e Airport – Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), Kekaha Agriculture Association, Waalani Enterprises, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (DOT) Highways Division, Hawai‘i National Guard, Airborne Aviation, and other private contractors.
Updates will be posted as information becomes available.
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–8 a.m., July 19, Update: Air assets join firefighting efforts off Koke‘e Road–
POKI‘I RIDGE – The brush fire that broke out Thursday evening off Koke‘e Road remains ongoing Friday, and multiple units are continuing their response with additional air assets now joining in the effort.
No injuries have been reported and there is no current threat to structures.
Responding agencies include the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) – Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Kaua‘i Police Department, Department of Public Works, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Līhu‘e Airport – Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), Waalani Enterprises, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (DOT) Highways Division, Hawai‘i National Guard, Airborne Aviation, and other private contractors.
Officials with Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) continue to monitor the fire and has had operational staff assessing any impacts to KIUC’s lines through the night. There are currently no fire-related power outages, and KIUC remains ready to assist county operations if needed.
While no structures are actively threatened, this fire is not yet fully contained. Officials are continuing to monitor weather conditions while first responders work to protect homes and critical communications in the area. The public is asked to remain vigilant and monitor local media for updates.
Koke‘e Road remains closed from Kekaha Road to Waimea Canyon Drive and is expected to remain closed for the duration of this incident.
Updates will be posted as information becomes available.
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–10:30 p.m., July 18, Update: KIUC confirms no fire-related outages; air assets to deploy Friday morning–
Officials with the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) report there are no fire-related power outages at this time. However, KIUC will continue to work alongside county officials to monitor the situation.
Additionally, fire officials plan to deploy air assets at first light Friday morning, to assist in the firefighting effort.
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–10:15 p.m., July 18, Update: Multi-agency response to Koke‘e Road brush fire expected through the night–
Multiple ground crews remain on scene of the brush fire located off Koke‘e Road, and are expected to remain on scene through the night.
Responding agencies include the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DLNR DOCARE), Kaua‘i Police Department, Department of Public Works, Pacific Missile Range Facility, Līhu‘e Airport Rescue and Fire Fighters (ARFF), and private companies.
Kokee Road is expected to remain closed from Kekaha Road to Waimea Canyon Drive for the duration of this incident.
The public is urged to remain vigilant. Updates will be posted as information becomes available.
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–8:30 p.m., July 18, Update: –Firefighters responding to brush fire in Koke‘e–
KOKE‘E – Multiple units are responding to a brush fire that broke out Thursday evening off Koke‘e Road.
Koke‘e Road is closed from Kekaha Road to Waimea Canyon Drive until further notice.
Officials ask the public to remain vigilant and stay tuned to local media for updates.
Updates will be announced as information becomes available.
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7:30 pm, July 18, Notice: Due to a brush fire, Koke’e Road – between Kekaha Road and Waimea Canyon Drive – is currently closed until further notice. Motorists are advised to avoid the area. Updates will be announced as new information becomes available.
–2:30 p.m., July 19, Update: Voluntary evacuation recommended for Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Park areas due to extended road closures–
KOKE‘E – Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) is recommending a voluntary evacuation for the Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Park areas. There is no immediate fire threat to the area, however, extended road closures could result in isolation.
Those unable to shelter in place are urged to leave the area immediately and will be allowed to exit through Koke‘e Road.
There are no residential homes in this area. As such, no shelters are available at this time.
Multiple ground and air assets continue to fight the Koke‘e fire that broke out Thursday evening. No injuries have been reported and there is no current threat to structures.
The Kaua‘i Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains partially activated and reports the following updates:
KIUC: At the request of the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency and for the safety of all emergency response crews fighting this wildfire, KIUC has de-energized the Koke‘e circuit. There is no estimated timeframe at this point for re-energizing that circuit. Approximately 116 members are affected. KIUC continues to monitor its infrastructure in the area and reports no damage at this time.
ROAD CLOSURES: In order to accommodate first responders, Waimea Canyon Drive remains closed from Panini Place to the Waimea Canyon Drive and Koke‘e Road junction. Residents on Panini Place will not be affected by the closure. Koke‘e Road remains closed from Kekaha Road to Waimea Canyon Drive, and is expected to remain closed for the duration of this incident. However, those evacuating Koke‘e or Waimea Canyon Drive will be allowed to exit through Koke‘e Road.
KPD DISPATCH: Kaua‘i Police Dispatch advises the community not to call 9-1-1 for updates. Only call for EMERGENCIES.
Responding agencies include the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) – Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Kaua‘i Police Department, Department of Public Works, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Līhu‘e Airport – Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), Kekaha Agriculture Association, Waalani Enterprises, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (DOT) Highways Division, Hawai‘i National Guard, Airborne Aviation, and other private contractors.
Updates will be posted as information becomes available.