7:45 p.m., 7/19, Update: Koke‘e Road, Waimea Canyon Drive now closed
Published on July 19, 2024
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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