A burned-out abandoned vehicle sits in the foreground on Waimea Canyon Drive, one of two roads into Waimea Canyon State Park on the west side of Kauai on Thursday. An estimated 1,200 acres burned overnight and the fire was finally 100% contained on Friday. Photos courtesy of DLNR
WAIMEA, KAUA’I – A fire that started on the road to Waimea Canyon State Park on the west side of Kauai spread quickly overnight Thursday into Friday morning, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). ).
According to the DLNR, “the quick actions of firefighters from the Kaua’i Fire Department (KFD) and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) prevented a rapidly moving wildfire over Waimea, Kaua’i , extended beyond an estimated 300 acres. It is called Hukipo fire.”
As of Friday morning, local estimates of burned area were as high as 1,200.
“A wildfire burned more than 1,200 acres on Kōke’e, Kaua’i, including approximately 500 acres of Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) land this morning,” a news release from the State of Hawaii ADC stated. “No injuries or structural damage were reported. The Kaua’i Fire Department and county and state officials are on scene. Investigations are ongoing and there will be updates.”
The DLNR said fire crews were aided by firebreaks surrounding former sugar cane lands that DOFAW crews clear at the beginning of each summer fire season. DOFAW rated the fire as 60% contained Thursday night and 100% contained Friday morning.
“While we had lots of moisture this spring and the vegetation is green, this is a perfect example of how non-native invasive plants like haole koa and guinea grass provide abundant fuel for wildfires,” said Sheri S. Mann , DOFAW Kaua’i Branch. manager.
Approximately 17 DOFAW firefighters, 10 KFD firefighters, and two KFD helicopters performing water drops kept the flames isolated primarily within the perimeter of existing firebreaks.
According to the DLNR, fire investigators believe a car fire, just off Waimea Canyon Drive, may have started the fire. Many cars are abandoned in that area and remain there for several years, despite local efforts to have them removed by community members.
A fire that occurred on August 5, 2023 near Russian Fort or Pa’ula’ula was contained just before spreading to the nearby town of Waimea. The Robinson family, owners of Niihau Island and residents of Waimea, assisted KFD with water trucks and people to help the fire spread.
Homelessness and campfires have been a problem in the area for decades, with homeless encampments visible near the Waimea Landing state recreational pier in the town of Waimea.
Fire prevention experts warn people not to park their cars on dry grass, to be careful when using tools that can spread sparks, to make sure campfires are out and not to light fireworks.
“Between the high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds today, we were lucky,” Mann said of the fire.
As predicted drought conditions are expected to intensify in the coming months, the potential for larger and more intense wildfires will increase, the DLNR said in a news release.
“Fire managers and the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization urge everyone to educate themselves about the causes of wildfires and take action now to protect their homes and property.”
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