On December 15, 2024, the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) received a 911 call at 11:03 p.m. and responded to a building fire at 1139 9th Avenue in Kaimuki with 11 units staffed with 43 personnel. The first unit arrived on scene at 11:08 p.m. to find smoke and flames emanating from the 16th floor of a high-rise residential building.

Fire fighters secured a water supply, initiated an aggressive fire attack, and completed a primary and secondary search to confirm no occupants were inside the apartment unit where the fire originated. The fire was quickly brought under control at 11:22 p.m. While checking on other apartment units, a female on the 17th floor was found to be experiencing difficulty breathing. Fire fighters provided basic life
support treatment, brought her down to the lobby, and transferred her medical care to the Emergency Medical Services at 11:36 p.m.

The HFD initiated an investigation to determine the fire’s origin and cause as well as to provide damage estimates. An update will be sent out once the final investigation report is complete.