Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 79° Today's Paper


911 ReportTop News

Woman escapes Alewa Heights house fire

1/3
Swipe or click to see more
Video by Craig T. Kojima / ckojima@staradvertiser.com
Honolulu firefighters battled a house fire at an Alea Heights home this morning.
2/3
Swipe or click to see more

COURTESY EUNICE WAKATSUKI

Firefighters battled a house fire at an Alea Heights home this morning.

3/3
Swipe or click to see more

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

A fire this morning charred a house in Alewa Heights.

Firefighters extinguished a fire at a two-story house in Alewa Heights this morning.

When firefighters arrived at the house on the 2235G Aulii Street at 9:17 a.m., smoke and flames were seen coming from the second story of the home, according to Honolulu Fire Department battalion chief Alan Park. A total of seven units staffed with 26 personnel responded to the 9:11 a.m. call.

A woman who was home at the time saw the flames and was able to escape without injury. Two men living at the house were not home at the time of the fire.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control at 9:44 a.m. and extinguished it at 10:19 a.m. No injuries were reported. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants.

It all happened so quickly, according to neighbor Eunice Wakatsuki. She smelled smoke and saw the flames after returning home from some morning errands at about 9 a.m. She quickly alerted all the neighbors in the lane who watch out for one another, she said.

She and other residents at neighboring homes, including two dogs, evacuated while firefighters put out the flames.

The home had no fire sprinklers, according to Park. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire damages are estimated at $275,000 to the structure and $25,000 to its contents.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.