On January 12, 2021, at 3:28 p.m. the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) responded to a two-alarm building fire at 94-286 Kahuawai St. with 11 units staffed with 36 personnel.  The first unit arrived at 3:35 p.m. to find a two story home with smoke and flames emanating from the front and left side of the home.  The second floor was fully involved with flames out of all sides.  Personnel established command, secured a water supply, and started initial fire attack.  The fire was under control at 4:04 p.m. and fully extinguished by 4:42 p.m.  Personnel continued with overhaul operations to remove excess smoke and water from the affected areas.

The second floor’s roof collapsed as a result of the fire.

Ten occupants living in the house got out safely.  Fire fighters tended to one male suffering from smoke inhalation.  The male was attempting to fight the fire with a garden hose was transported to Queen’s West.  Smoke alarms were not heard by the initial company on scene.

American Red Cross was called in to assist the displaced residents.

The fire is still currently under investigation.  The preliminary investigation revealed the fire originated in the carport.  Damages are estimated at $615,000 to the building and $60,000 to the contents.  Nine vehicles were damaged by the fire.  Four of the nine were deemed a total loss with damages estimated at $50,000.

Smoke alarms alert residents of fires during the incipient stage.  Smoke alarms should be installed in each bedroom, hallway and one on each level if more than one story or if the home has a basement.