"Flames from a brush fire that broke out at around 4:20 a.m. near Aloha Beach Resort in Wailua came dangerously close to Kuhio Highway, causing officials to shut down the highway in both directions for over an hour." Credit - Kauai County
"Firefighters continued to extinguish hot spots Friday afternoon at a Wailua brush fire that broke out around 4:20 a.m. off Kuhio Highway near Aloha Beach Resort.
Flames came within feet of the surrounding roadways, forcing officials to close Kuhio Highway and Leho Drive in both directions for roughly two hours.
The Kauai Police Department is urging anyone with information on the cause of the fires to contact police by calling Detective Christian Jenkins at 241-1680 or Police Dispatch at 241-1711.
'This morning’s fire came dangerously close to the highway and road closures could not be avoided as public safety is always our highest priority,' stated Fire Chief Robert Westerman. 'We appreciate the help of police and state DOT officials who worked diligently to open alternate means of travel until the highway could be reopened. Unfortunately, severe traffic delays could not be avoided and we appreciate the public’s patience and understanding.'"