KOKE‘E — First responders extinguished a two-acre brush fire that broke out on Monday in Koke‘e.
No injuries were reported.
According to a preliminary report, the fire started shortly before 11 a.m. when Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative contractors were working on a power line. Kaua‘i Fire Department were dispatched to the area between mile markers 3 and 5 on Waimea Canyon Drive.
Personnel with the Hanapepe and Waimea fire stations, Tender 1, Air 1, the battalion chief, Kaua‘i Police Department and state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife responded to the incident.
Firefighters arrived on the scene and discovered the fire was located approximately 200 yards from the roadway, closer to mile-marker 6. Because the fire was inaccessible to vehicular access due to steep terrain, Air 1 was deployed to slow the fire’s progression. Overlooking the fire from a high vantage point, DOFAW personnel assisted with a safety watch and directed Air 1 with water drops.
After cutting a trail through the trees to gain access to the bottom of the fire, firefighters utilized forestry water backpacks to slow the spread of the fire. DOFAW fire personnel joined in the effort, putting out hot spots along the perimeter.
During the response, the fire jumped to a small ridge and spread down another valley. Personnel on the ground and aboard Air 1 redirected their efforts and quickly knocked down the blaze.
DOFAW personnel cut a fire break in the area to ensure the fire did not relight in the valley.
DOFAW later relieved KFD personnel after the fire was extinguished and took command of any additional hot spots.
Source: The Garden Island
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