KOKEE — County and state firefighters fought a Kokee brush fire that burned nearly 20 acres on Friday. No structures were burned and no injuries were reported, according to county spokeswoman Sarah Blane. Roughly 20 acres were scorched in the
KOKEE — County and state firefighters fought a Kokee brush fire that burned nearly 20 acres on Friday.
No structures were burned and no injuries were reported, according to county spokeswoman Sarah Blane. Roughly 20 acres were scorched in the blaze that remains under investigation.
Earlier this week, Kauai Police Department announced it was assisting state and county fire departments with investigating 40 brush fires since December on public property islandwide.
Tips regarding the investigation can be directed to Detective Christian Jenkins at 241-1680 or police dispatch at 241-1711.
Kauai Fire Department personnel from Hanapepe and Waimea fire stations responded to reports of smoke around four miles up Kokee Road at around 1:50 p.m. Rescue 3 personnel and the county rescue helicopter with its water buck were called in shortly after as responders reported flames jumping across Kokee Road.
Air 1 began making water drops along Koke Road near the 552 intersection. Firefighters reported that terrain and wind were strong as firefighters kept the flames from jumping the road.
State Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DOFAW) personnel also responded with 13 firefighters and one contract helicopter to assist County Air 1.
Department of Land and Natural Resources spokesperson Deborah Ward said the fire was located on a ridge in the Kekaha Game Management Area in the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Five acres of guinea grass and silk oak burned, she said.
DOFAW crews were able to contain the fire at approximately 4:15 p.m.
