UPDATE: 3:45 p.m.

The Kauai Emergency Management Agency is recommending a voluntary evacuation of the Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Park areas due to extended road closures.

“There is no immediate fire threat to the area, however, extended road closures could result in isolation,” said county officials. “Those unable to shelter in place are urged to leave the area immediately and will be allowed to exit through Kokee Road.”

Officials said no shelters are available at this time as there are no residential homes in this area.

Waimea Canyon Drive remains closed from Panini Place to the Waimea Canyon Drive and Kokee Road junction to accommodate first responders.

Additionally, Kokee Road remains closed from Kekaha Road to Waimea Canyon Drive, and is expected to remain closed for the duration of the fire. Those evacuating Kokee or Waimea Canyon Drive will be allowed to exit through Kokee Road.

Multiple ground and air assets continue to fight the brushfire that started Thursday evening, authorities said. They said there is no threat to structures.

The Kauai Emergency Operations Center remains partially activated.

1 p.m.

At the request of the Kauai Emergency Management Agency and for the safety of all emergency response crews fighting this wildfire, KIUC will de-energize the Kokee circuit effective immediately.

There is no estimated timeframe at this point for re-energizing that circuit. Approximately 116 members are affected.

Noon

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said the Kokee fire has burned 300 acres and is about 40% contained.

In a 9:30 a.m. update, HI-EMA also said the fire was moving upslope towards Waimea by Kokee Road.

No injuries have been reported and no structures are threatened.

First responders, however, are attempting to contain the fire’s spread in multiple directions.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said it is still monitoring the brushfire and its proximity to utility infrastructure.

No fire-related power outages have been implemented yet, but KIUC said it may be necessary to de-energize the circuit feeding Kokee.

“We will provide as much notice as possible before de-energization; however, members in Kokee should prepare now for a possible extended outage,” said KIUC in a statement.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Kauai County officials say multiple agencies today are still responding to a brush fire that broke out off of Kokee Road on Thursday evening.

Officials said air assets joined firefighting efforts this morning after multiple ground crews remained on scene overnight. The fire has not yet been fully contained.

Responding agencies include the Kauai fire and police departments, the county Department of Public Works, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, and others, including the Pacific Missile Range Facility and Lihue Airport Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting.

The Hawaii National Guard, Airborne Aviation, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Waalani Enterprises and other private contractors are also assisting.

No injuries have been reported, officials said, and there is no current threat to structures.

Kokee Road is expected to remain closed from Kekaha Road to Waimea Canyon Drive for the duration of the fire.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, meanwhile, says no fire-related power outages have been implemented.

Officials will continue monitoring weather conditions as first responders work to protect homes and critical communications.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and monitor local media for updates, officials said.