Fire keeps roads closed

KOKEE — Kokee Road and Waimea Canyon Drive remained closed Monday while firefighters continued to combat the fire that ignited Sunday morning in Kokee.

There is no immediate threat to structures at this time, and no injuries have been reported.

An estimate on the size of the fire is not yet known, nor the percentage of current containment.

There are no evacuations currently in place. However, while the roads to Kokee remain closed at this time, those in Kokee wishing to leave are being allowed down Waimea Canyon Drive as safety permits.

About 9 a.m. Sunday, multiple units were dispatched to a brush fire along Kokee Road. County, state, and private companies responded and continued efforts through the night.

On Monday, personnel with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife assumed the lead role in the unified command, with assistance from Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, and Kauai firefighters who remain on scene suppressing hot spots along Kokee Road. Two Airborne Aviation helicopters, along with KFD Rescue 3 personnel aboard Air 1 are also continuing water drops to the area.

Additional support from the county Department of Public Works and private companies through water tankers and other heavy equipment are also being utilized. Kauai police and state Department of Transportation officials are manning the road closures.

Due to the ongoing fire, officials with Kauai Island Utility Cooperative have de-energized power lines in Kokee until further notice, as a safety precaution. Power will be restored once fire officials advise it is safe to do so.