Hanapepe brush fire burns 30 acres

HANAPEPE — A brush fire in Hanapepe that forced firefighters to close a portion of Kaumuali‘i Highway burned 30 acres Monday evening before being contained.

Kaua‘i Fire Department responded to the fire that was initially reported as a 1-acre blaze in an old cane field behind Moi Road around 4:30 p.m. The fire was estimated to be more than 5 acres in size by 5 p.m. when both lanes of the highway were closed near mile marker 17 for public safety.

The eastbound lane was opened to alternating traffic an hour later as crews fought to bring the brush fire under control. Both lanes opened again at 7 p.m., although firefighters remained on the scene after dark. The fire was reported to be contained shortly after 7:30 p.m.

No homes or structures were threatened by the blaze, according to a Kaua‘i County news release.

Engines 5, 6, and 7 along with Trucks 4, 5, 6, and 7 assisted with Rescue 3 personnel. Air 1 also assisted in the effort until nightfall forced the chopper to withdraw.

Air 1 reported at 6:20 p.m. that the fire was well contained on the mauka side of the road with a fire wall contained by water trucks and bulldozers. According to the report, the last hot spot was on the lower east side and north of town near the stream and drainage area.

The cause of the fire was unknown at press time.