Waipahu man in critical condition after rescue from burning home

An 88-year-old man was taken to the hospital in critical condition after a fire broke out in his Waipahu home early today.

At 5:52 a.m., firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire at the single-story home on Kipou Street. Thirty-one firefighters responded and observed smoke and flames emanating from the Ewa side of the home, according to Honolulu Fire spokesman Capt. David Jenkins.

Neighbors informed firefighters the resident was still inside the home. Firefighters located the man inside his living room, trying to escape the fire.

They brought him outside and treated him. Honolulu Fire Battalion Chief John Pacheco said he was breathing and conscious at the time yet was transported to the hospital by Emergency Medical Services in critical condition.

The blaze was extinguished at 6:24 a.m. Pacheco said the fire was confined to the living room. It’s believed the fire started at the corner of the room.

The cause of the fire and damage estimate to the home has yet to be determined.

Neighbor Madelyn Guieb said she heard her dog incessantly barking and peered outside her window. She saw smoke coming from her neighbor’s living room window and flames inside.

She woke up her husband who jumped out of bed after she alerted him of the fire next door. He grabbed the garden hose and shot water toward the window in attempt to control the fire. Meanwhile, Guieb called 911.

She often would see her 88-year-old neighbor tending to his plants and front lawn.

“I’m praying he’s going to be OK,” said Guieb.