May 7, 6 p.m., County of Kaua‘i, Kōke‘e brush fire

Published on May 07, 2025

Crews with the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) continue responding to a brush fire in Kōke‘e near Kōke‘e Road and Waimea Canyon Drive. According to fire officials, the fire is about 70% contained and in a valley. 

There are no threats to structures, nor have any injuries been reported.  

Kaua‘i Fire Department firefighters have turned over the incident to State officials.

According to a preliminary report, the fire was reported shortly before 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Fire personnel estimate that the blaze scorched 2 acres. 

Response (New update)

KFD crews cleared the scene at approximately 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7.

DOFAW crews will remain on the scene until sundown and will resume operations tomorrow morning, May 8. KFD will be on standby tomorrow and will provide assistance if State officials request it. 

Assets

Crews with the Hanapēpē and Waimea fire stations, Rescue 3, Tender 1, Air 1, Air 2, the Department of Public Works, State officials, the Kaua‘i Police Department, and the on-duty Battalion Chief responded to the incident.

The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency also monitored the fire.

Road closures (New update)

Waimea Canyon Drive — from Panini Place to Kōke‘e Road junction — and Kōke‘e Road near mile-marker 7 are now open, according to State officials. Officials anticipate that the road will remain open.

This will be the final update from the County of Kaua‘i pending significant updates. 

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