Emergency evacuation alert in case of fire at Kokee/Waimea State Park

We have been receiving cell phone alerts and notifications in the last hour. At this time, a voluntary evacuation of the Kokee/Waimea State Park areas was called. This is now the third major fire on Kauai in the past week. We are noticing that the island has become extremely dry and brown for the first time in quite some time. Not far from today’s Kauai fire, a 1,100 acre wildfire occurred four days ago in the area from Hanapepe to Kaumakani.

Beat of Hawaii is currently located nearby on Kauai in Kekaha. Check back, we will update this as we receive more information from our location, the Coconut Wireless and friends currently located at Kokee State Park.

UPDATE: As of 6:43 p.m., Jeff reports that there are three distinct areas of widespread flames visible from the town of Kekaha. 4 helicopters are dropping water. Areas that seemed to be extinguished are no longer extinguished and are burning again. Behind the flames, smoke is mixed with clouds, indicating more fires. We wonder why Kauai doesn’t have fixed wing aircraft to drop water. It’s starting to get dark and the helicopters will have to stop soon.

Emergency alarm. Voluntary evacuation is recommended for the Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Park areas due to the possibility of extended road closures. There is currently no immediate fire threat to Kokee, but firefighting efforts may result in an extended closure of the area. Individuals who cannot shelter in place should immediately leave via Kokee Road.

Kauai Emergency Management Agency

Due to an ongoing wildfire where winds have changed direction, emergency officials on Kauai are recommending a voluntary evacuation for both visitors and residents.

Current location of Kauai fire is being tracked.

The fire started near Kokee Road on the west side of Kauai and continues to rage as firefighters try to bring the blaze under control. Evacuation is not required at this time and no immediate threat has been reported. It is possible that roads will be closed for an extended period of time, so people are being asked to stay off the road. For more information on the fire location, see this NASA Fire Management Resource.

The extent of the fire is not yet known. There are currently no reports of injuries and it is reported that no buildings are at risk.

We believe, but cannot confirm, that news outlets are erroneously reporting 300 acres burned. To our knowledge, this is based on a report from last month when a brush fire on Waimea Canyon Road was sparked by a car fire. This will be updated.

Power lines in the region were shut down.

At approximately 12 p.m., the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) shut off Kokee’s electrical circuit at the request of the Kauai Emergency Management Agency, affecting approximately 116 customers. There is no estimate as to when power will be restored.

More about Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks.

The 4,345-acre Kokee State Park and the 1,866-acre Waimea Canyon State Park are two of Kauai’s most significant natural and remote areas. Situated on a plateau between 3,200 and 4,200 feet above sea level, Kokee State Park offers extensive hiking trails, vibrant native flora and fauna, cultural events such as the Emalani Festival, and is home to the Kokee Natural History Museum, which provides insight into the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon State Park, adjacent to Kokee, offers an unparalleled 14-mile-long, 3,600-foot-deep canyon with dramatic red and green hues. It is known for its spectacular waterfalls, among other things. The park’s overlooks, including Puu Hinahina and Puu o Kila, offer breathtaking views of the canyon and the Na Pali Coast. Both parks are an integral part of Kauai’s ecological and cultural landscape, and draw numerous visitors for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities, such as hiking.

Latest update from County of Kauai Emergency Management.

No residences are affected and no emergency shelters are currently available. Multiple ground and air units continue to battle the fire, but no injuries or building damage have been reported. Major roads, including Waimea Canyon Drive and portions of Kokee Road, remain closed to facilitate emergency response.

At the request of KEMA, the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) shut down the power circuit in Kokee, affecting 116 members. An exact time for the restoration of power is unknown.

The Kauai Emergency Operations Center remains partially activated and is coordinating efforts of the various responding agencies, including the Kauai Fire Department, DLNR, Kauai Police Department and others.