Brush fire chars 30 acres in Koke‘e

KOKE‘E — A brush fire scorched 30 acres of land on the makai side of Waimea Canyon Drive on Sunday afternoon.

The fire was reported at approximately 5:30 p.m. near mile marker 3 behind the hunter check-in station, according to a preliminary report from the Kaua‘i Fire Department.

Firefighters from the Hanapepe, Kalaheo and Waimea fire stations were among first responders to the area.

“Due to limited access, Air 1 was deployed to make water drops, while Kekaha Agriculture personnel helped firefighters reach the blaze,” the fire department said. “Crews contained and extinguished the east-southwest flank of the fire and continued to put out hotspots along the south ridge.”

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife took over command from the fire department about two hours after the blaze was reported.

The cause of the fire has not been released. No injuries were reported.