28 people displaced, 1 injured after Makaha fire

At least 27 people were displaced Tuesday after fire destroyed a house for individuals who have undergone substance abuse rehabilitation, damaged surrounding homes and vehicles, and injured a man in Makaha.

The fire started at about 5:10 a.m. on the 84-800 block of Lahaina Street and was already engulfing the home when firefighters arrived about five minutes later, said Honolulu Fire Department Capt. David Jenkins.

Ten fire companies with more than 30 firefighters responded and saw the fire spreading to neighboring homes. Firefighters brought the fire under control by 5:52 a.m.

Twenty-one people were in the building at the time and were able to evacuate. One man sustained second-degree burns to his arm and was treated by paramedics.

The two-alarm fire destroyed the single-story home with six bedrooms and damaged adjacent homes on four sides. The burned home was reportedly a “clean and sober” house, Jenkins said.

Six people were displaced from neighboring homes.

The American Red Cross was assisting people displaced by the fire.

Jenkins said the fire caused about $422,000 in damage to the building and $25,000 to its contents. The damage to surrounding structures and at least two vehicles was estimated at $155,000.

Firefighters are still investigating the cause.