Department of Land and Natural Resources firefighting personnel on Kaua‘i contained a fire near the end of the 11-mile Kalalau hiking trail at the Kalalau campground, according to a DLNR statement. Port Allen-based Inter-Island Helicopters reported the fire while running
Department of Land and Natural Resources firefighting personnel on Kaua‘i contained a fire near the end of the 11-mile Kalalau hiking trail at the Kalalau campground, according to a DLNR statement.
Port Allen-based Inter-Island Helicopters reported the fire while running a tour of Napali Coast this morning. Inter-Island is also the sole helicopter responder for fires and rescues in the county.
The pilot notified his office, which contacted DLNR. Another Inter-Island pilot flew in two DLNR personnel and began authorized water drops on the state forestry lands.
According to DLNR, the chopper dropped water for an hour, while the crew monitored and worked the perimeter of the fire. In the afternoon crews returned and were able to contain and extinguish all hot spots.
The burned area is approximately one acre.
It is thought to have been started by an abandoned campfire that was not completely extinguished.
“We are experiencing very dry weather conditions this summer in our islands,” DLNR interim Chairwoman Laura H. Thielen said in a press release. “Campers need to be extremely cautious and refrain from building open camp fires.”
