5:30 p.m., 7/20, Update: Koke‘e fire at 70% contained

Published on July 20, 2024

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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