Firefighters continue to battle a wildfire in Kokee that broke out late Thursday night near Poki‘i Ridge in Koke‘. Structures are not in danger at this time, according to a County of Kaua‘i news release, but Fire Chief Robert Westerman
Firefighters continue to battle a wildfire in Kokee that broke out late Thursday night near Poki‘i Ridge in Koke‘.
Structures are not in danger at this time, according to a County of Kaua‘i news release, but Fire Chief Robert Westerman is asking for a voluntary evacuation of Koke‘e.
“Because we feel access out of Koke‘e via Kokee Road and Waimea Canyon Drive may be compromised as we continue to fight the fire, we’re recommending that anyone currently in Koke‘e evacuate now,” states Westerman. He added that the Koke‘e Road/Kekaha Road junction remains closed.
The fire is estimated to be over 1,000 acres in size, and while highly visible to residents in the area, there is no immediate threat to any homes or buildings, a county spokesperson said.
In the interest of public safety, the public is urged to keep away from the area if at all possible.
As the fire approached a high voltage power line earlier today, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative officials initiated a voluntary power outage for all of Kokee as a precaution. The outage will remain in effect until at least tomorrow.
Power to nearby water storage tanks has also been suspended. The Department of Water continues to request residents and businesses in the Kekaha and Waimea area to restrict water consumption to essential uses only — such as cooking, bathing, and toilet flushing — until further notice.
Restricting water consumption to essential uses reduces the likelihood of a total water outage.
Personnel from the County of Kaua‘i Fire Department, the Department of Publics Works, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) and private contractors continue to work together in battling the blaze.
The above agencies have also provided equipment, such as helicopters, bulldozers, a fuel tanker and water tenders to assist in suppression efforts.
Updates on the fire will be released as more information becomes available.
