Brush fire contained in Kōkeʻe near mile marker four, no injuries reported
Kaua‘i Fire Department crews contained a roughly 10 acre brush fire in the Kōkeʻe area after it was reported shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday night, county officials say. The incident prompted a temporary closure of Kōkeʻe Road and overnight suppression work, and residents and visitors are advised to monitor county updates as crews finish mop up operations.
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A brush fire estimated at 10 acres was contained early Thursday morning in the Kōkeʻe area near mile marker four, the County of Kaua‘i reported. The blaze was first reported shortly before 10 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12. No injuries and no damaged structures have been reported at this time.
Kaua‘i Fire Department crews worked through the night to contain the fire, and personnel returned Thursday morning to complete mop up and to ensure no remaining hot spots. Responding units included crews from the Hanapēpē, Kalaheo, and Waimea fire stations, Rescue 3, Tender 1, and the Battalion Chief on duty. The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife provided mutual aid, and the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency monitored the incident.
Kōkeʻe Road was closed during the response to ensure the safety of firefighters and other emergency personnel. The county said updates would be posted if conditions change. The closure affected access to trailheads and lookouts in the Kōkeʻe region, an area known for its native forest, hiking trails, and cultural importance to local communities. Visitors planning trips to Kōkeʻe State Park or nearby recreation areas should check official county or park channels before traveling.
Although immediate impacts to homes and structures were avoided, the fire underscores ongoing wildfire risks in remote upland forests and grasslands. Fire activity in these environments can threaten native ecosystems that are important for watershed protection and cultural practices. Containing a blaze overnight required coordinated effort from multiple fire stations and state forestry partners, demonstrating the value of mutual aid in addressing incidents in rugged terrain.
For Kaua‘i residents, the event is a reminder of the importance of vigilance during fire season and the need to follow guidance from emergency managers. County officials have not released a cause for the fire in the preliminary report, and investigators may assess the site as mop up operations conclude.
The County of Kaua‘i encouraged the public to follow official channels for updates and contact information. Crews are expected to remain on scene until officials are confident that no further hotspots remain, and the county will post further information if conditions change.
