LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Fire Department firefighters responded to multiple brush fires on Saturday and into Sunday morning, with no injuries or structural damages reported.
The causes of the fires remains under investigation. At this time there are no indications that the fires are related, according to a county press release.
Koke‘e
At approximately 12:15 p.m., Waimea firefighters were dispatched to investigate a possible brush fire near mile marker 9 off Waimea Canyon Road in Koke‘e. No signs of smoke or fire were seen until shortly before 2 p.m., when Rescue 3 personnel aboard Air 1 spotted a forested area with smoke coming through the trees.
Due to the fire’s inaccessible location, Rescue 3 personnel aboard Air 1 were short-hauled to the scene. Using equipment from Engine 7 and Truck 7, along with support from Air 1 conducting water drops, the fire was controlled at approximately 6:20 p.m.
The scene was turned over to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife for further response.
Kalaheo
At around 4:45 p.m., while Air 1 personnel were flying out from the Koke‘e fire to refuel, they spotted a brush fire occurring near an area off Halewili Road in Kalaheo.
Kalaheo and Hanapepe firefighters were dispatched to the scene, where they found a small brush fire burning between two dirt roads. The two roads created a natural fire break that contained the fire from spreading to the nearby coffee fields.
Firefighters extinguished the fire and cleared the scene shortly after 6 p.m.
Po‘ipu
At approximately 8 p.m., Koloa firefighters were dispatched to a brush fire near Keoneloa Bay, also known as Shipwreck Beach, in Po‘ipu.
Upon arrival, the fire was located down a dirt road next to the beach parking lot, and was approximately a half-acre in size. As units responded, many palm trees and brush continued to burn, with wind intensifying the flames. Personnel from the Lihu‘e, Kalaheo, Hanapepe, Rescue 3 and Tender 1, along with a battalion chief, were dispatched to assist.
Once all units arrived on scene, firefighters were able to attack the blaze from all sides. The fire was extinguished without any extension to the nearby Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort, and most personnel cleared the scene around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
After the fire was extinguished, some units remained on scene to monitor the area for hot spots. One hot spot was extinguished at approximately 6:30 a.m.
Hanapepe
While multiple units were responding to the brush fire at Po‘ipu, firefighters received another report of an active brush fire located on the makai side of Burns Field in Hanapepe.
Hanapepe firefighters with Engine 6 and Waimea firefighters with Truck 7 initially responded to the scene. Kalaheo firefighters with Truck 5, Hanapepe firefighters with Truck 6, and a battalion chief responded shortly after they cleared the scene at Shipwreck.
Officers with the Kaua‘i Police Department also responded, and assisted with a comprehensive sweep, evacuating numerous individuals from the area.
After all individuals were evacuated, fire officials determined the best strategy for response was to let the field burn itself out to mitigate numerous responses to the area.
Access to the area was limited Sunday morning as officials continued to monitor conditions for public safety. Kaua‘i police reopened the road at approximately 6 a.m. after receiving clearance from fire officials. Personnel continue to make periodic checks of the area for any residual hot spots.
“We are extremely grateful for all of our firefighters who responded to these incidents yesterday,” said KFD Chief Steven Goble. “If it weren’t for their swift actions, any of these fires could have turned into a devastating outcome. We urge the public to remember the importance of fire prevention when outdoors, especially during dry and windy conditions.”
Multiple Brush Fires…..
The Koke’e, Kalaheo, Poipu, and Hanapepe, brush fires, do not seem naturally caused.
The Fire Authority investigators hopefully will be able to discover the causes of these fires, and perhaps the community will be alert to any suspicious actions of person or persons who may be setting these fires.
Or will it be found that thunder storms and huge lightning strikes, or very, very strong winds are causing power lines to snap free, and contact trees or brush and igniting the fires.
Kauai has been through enough with covid, these fires, if not contained , and totally stopped could be catastrophic.
Good on all of the fire crews who responded and extinguished all of these fires.