Kaua‘i officials continue fire operations in Koke‘e

KOKE‘E, Hawaii (KHON2) — Firefighting efforts continue into Saturday with air support deployed early morning, Kaua‘i Fire Department reports.

A voluntary evacuation was issued Friday for Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Park areas. The fire remains approximately 40 percent contained as of 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.

According to KIUC, there is no estimate on when power will be restored in Koke‘e. Residents are encouraged to prepare for extended outage if any electrical repairs are needed.

Koke‘e Road and Waimea Canyon Drive remain closed in both directions.

Multiple agencies including KFD, DLNR – DOCARE, DOFAW, Kaua‘i Police Department and others are involved in response to the incident.

No injuries or structural damage have been reported.

Update as of 5:30 p.m. on Saturday

KIUC has re-energized Koke‘e.

According to fire officials, the fire is estimated to be 70 percent contained as of Saturday evening with approximately 1,300 acres burned.

Air support will resume Sunday morning.

Koke‘e Road will reopen to two-way traffic at 7 p.m., Saturday, while Waimea Canyon Drive will remain closed in both directions.

The voluntary evacuation issued in Koke‘e will also be lifted at 7 p.m.