On July 23, 2026, the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) received a 911 call at 5:53 a.m. and responded to a building fire reported at 700 Bishop Street, Topa Tower, in Honolulu with 6 units staffed with approximately 22 personnel. The first unit arrived on scene at 5:59 a.m. established command, reported a high-rise building without any signs of fire conditions, and prepared to investigate further.
Fire fighters established a water supply, performed standpipe operations, and positioned to perform a fire attack if necessary. Occupants were evacuated and HFD units investigated for any fire or hazardous conditions at different floors and areas of the high rise building. Smokey conditions were discovered at the basement level, possibly due to an electrical issue, but no fire or flames found.
At around 6:40 a.m. The Hawaiian Electric Company was requested to de-energize the building. Several occupants required fire fighter assistance with evacuation due to loss of power to the building. At 6:50 a.m. one occupant that was assisted to safety was transferred to on scene Emergency Medical Services.
HECO arrived on scene at 7:53 a.m.
With HECO’s assistance, fire fighters determined the room with the reported equipment problem was safe to make entry and to apply a water stream to cool the area. Coordinated efforts with HFD, HECO, and building representation to improve the conditions at the Topa Tower will continue as necessary.
All HFD personnel were accounted for with no injuries reported.
An investigation has been initiated 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.