HONOLULU (KHON2) -- A collaborative response by the Kauai Fire Department (KFD) and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) successfully contained the Hukipo fire, a fast-moving brush fire that threatened the area above Waimea.
The fire, estimated to cover 300 acres, was kept largely within control with crews saying they will watch it overnight.
The blaze was reported to be 60% contained by the Thursday evening.
Sheri S. Mann, DOFAW Kauai branch manager, emphasized the role of invasive non-native plants like haole koa and Guinea grass in fueling the fire, despite the region experiencing ample moisture and green vegetation this spring.
The firefighting operation involved 17 DOFAW firefighters, 10 KFD firefighters, and two KFD helicopters conducting water drops, primarily focusing on keeping the flames within existing firebreak perimeters.
Investigators suspect that a car fire, located just off Waimea Canyon Drive, may have ignited the Hukipo fire, but investigations are ongoing.
Authorities and fire prevention experts issued cautionary reminders to the public, advising against parking cars over dry grass, exercising care with tools that can produce sparks, ensuring campfires are extinguished completely, and refraining from setting off fireworks.