8:30 a.m., 7/21, Update: Koke‘e fire at 85% contained

Published on July 21, 2024

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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