200 Residents Evacuate As Fast-Moving Wildfire Rips Through West Kauai
UPDATED. One structure has been destroyed, 1,000 acres have burned and KIUC has de-energized its transmission lines as a safety precaution.
Story updated at 8:50 p.m., 7/15/24
Kauai authorities issued an emergency alert to residents in Kaumakani on Monday afternoon, urging them to evacuate due to a fast-moving brush fire in Hanapepe.
The alert was sent out at 2:50 p.m., saying flames were approaching the Kaumakani neighborhood and to “LEAVE NOW.”
Officials have opened a public shelter at Waimea High School for residents who are evacuating. As of 8:20 p.m., more than 200 homes have been evacuated, according to officials.
Officials say one structure (a shed with no homes attached) in Kaumakani Camp was destroyed by the fire. No injuries have been reported.
As of 6:30 p.m., the fire had scorched an area estimated at 1,000 acres between Hanapepe and Kaumakani, according to officials.
The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative also announced it is de-energizing its transmission lines from Kaumakani to Mana, meaning those areas will be without power until further notice. That includes areas serving portions of Hanapepe, Kaumakani, Pakala, Kekaha, Mana and Kokee.
County officials said Kaumualii Highway is closed from Lele Road in Hanapepe to Kaumakani near Aloha Sweet Delites.
The flames are burning in Hanapepe, west of Moi Road. According to the county, the fire started along Hanapepe’s Moi Road in a field of dry brush.
The call for this incident came in around noon.
County officials said KFD, alongside private landowners, are working to contain the fire.
Multiple units were on scene, along with Air 1 and 2, a Gay and Robinson water tanker and a private contractor dozer.
It’s unclear what started this fire.
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, serving as acting governor, signed an emergency proclamation authorizing the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to assist in emergency response efforts.
One Hanapepe resident said the flames got within roughly 50 yards from their property.
“My daughter was hysterical,” said Anthony Cruz. “She came running out in the garage and she said, ‘Dad, there’s a fire,’ and so I thought it was in the house and she said, ‘No, it’s in the back.’”
