The Kauai Police and Fire departments are working with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to investigate more than 40 brush fires that have occurred on public property since December.

The brush fires have occurred from Kekaha to Haena, Fire Chief Robert Westerman said in a news release.

The high number of brush fires is unusual.

Police suspect foul play.

"We are asking the public to be vigilant to help protect their properties and also to report any suspicious activity to police," said Westerman.

Acting Capt. Bryson Ponce of the Police Department’s Investigation Services Bureau said most of the fires have occurred near residential neighborhoods. It doesn’t take much for a brush fire to turn into a house fire, he said.

Those with information on the brush fires can call Detective Christian Jenkins at 241-1680 or police dispatch at 241-1711.