Residents in Kokee remained without power Sunday as county, state and federal crews continued to battle a wildfire that has engulfed roughly 2,000 acres, Kauai County officials said.
Fire Chief Robert Westerman said the fire was 50 percent contained Sunday night, but firefighters were unable to keep the blaze from nearly doubling in size during the day.
"We are making progress in fighting the blaze, but we are in an area of very dry brush where spot fires can easily ignite," Westerman said.
As a result of the power outage, county officials said voluntary evacuation for residents and businesses in Kokee continued Sunday.
Waimea Canyon Drive had reopened to traffic briefly Sunday afternoon as crews made gains against the blaze, but officials said the road was closed shortly after a flare-up.
Kokee Road also remained closed throughout the day.
"It is crucial that fires are completely extinguished before we allow people back into the area," Westerman said. "We understand the inconvenience this has posed to our community, but safety is our No. 1 priority."
The blaze began around midnight Friday and is burning along Pokii, Paua and Waiaka ridges. The cause is under investigation.
Westerman said Sunday morning that crews were able to set a perimeter around the blaze, giving them the upper hand on suppression efforts. He also said that Kauai Island Utility Cooperative workers were being allowed into certain areas to inspect and repair damaged power lines.
Firefighters were able to save a pump house on the east side of the fire that supplies water to Waimea.
"We are very grateful for everyone’s support, particularly the Pacific Missile Range Facility," Westerman said. "With the addition of their personnel and equipment, we were able to save the water pump house located on the east side of the fire."
Power for the pump house was fully restored Sunday, but Kekaha residents were still being urged to conserve water because electricity remained cut off from a separate tank.
County officials said roughly 40 personnel from multiple agencies — including the Kauai Fire Department, the Department of Public Works, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands — and private contractors have been involved in battling the blaze.
Helicopters, bulldozers, a fuel tanker and water tenders were also on scene.
