Firefighters extinguish brush fire in Kōke‘e Thursday evening

Published on March 15, 2024

KŌKE‘E  – Kaua‘i Fire Department firefighters extinguished a brush fire in Kekaha on Thursday, March 14.

No injuries were reported.

“Although the cause of this fire is undetermined, it is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent brush fires,” said KFD Chief Michael Gibson. “As we have witnessed too many times, brush fires have the potential to spread quickly, cause devastation to our public spaces, and threaten our community.”

While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, KPD urges the public to stay vigilant. If you witness a fire or if it is an emergency, call 911.

“Given the recent occurrence of these brush fires, we urge the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity,” stated Kaua‘i Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck. “Arson is a highly punishable offense that carries significant repercussions. If you see someone acting suspiciously or attempting to set a harmful fire, please contact 911 right away.”

Shortly before 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, firefighters were dispatched to a brush fire reported in Kōke‘e near mile-marker 4 on Waimea Canyon Drive.

Firefighters with the Waimea fire station, the Kaua‘i Police Department, and the on-duty Battalion Chief responded to the incident.

According to a preliminary report, KFD personnel arrived on scene and discovered a 100-by-100-foot area of brush on fire. Firefighters controlled the fire and extinguished it shortly after.

Waimea Canyon Drive from mile-marker 1 to the Kōke‘e Road junction was closed for about an hour while first responders tackled the fire. 

The scene was cleared at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711. Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i at 808-246-8300, submitting a tip at cskauai.org, or through the Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i P3 Tips Mobile App.

###