400-acre fire now burning close to recreational cabins
Voluntary evacation in place for residents at Waimea Canyon State Park
By Cam Tran
On Kauai a fire that started off burning just three acres has now burned more than 400. It is now threatening cabins in Waimea Canyon State Park, while crews have asked people staying in the park to voluntarily evacuate.
A voluntary evacuation is in place as the Hikimoe fire on Kauai burns close to buildings.
The fire started Monday near the Pu’u Ka Pele Forest Reserve and its now burning near 60 recreational cabins in Waimea Canyon State Park.
“They are trying to hold it to the contour road, which is a quarter of a mile away from the first cabins,” said Anastasia Lytle, Kauai Park Superintendent.
At least 40 firefighters from Maui, Kauai and Oahu, and three helicopters are battling this blaze which has charred 400 acres.
Firefighters say low humidity and strong winds make battling the blaze very difficult.
To make matters worse, a tanker carrying jet fuel flipped on its side near the Kekaha junction today.
The truck was carrying 4,000 gallons of jet fuel for the helicopters when all of the fuel spilled.
Hazmat crews cleaned up the mess and firefighters continued to battle the blaze on Thursday.
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