Lithium-ion battery fire prompts hazmat response at Mililani apartments, 2 displaced

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Two residents are now displaced from their home after a lithium-ion battery sparked inside an apartment building on Thursday.

Read more First Alert Forecast: Breezy winds expected to weaken over the weekend

The Honolulu Fire Department received a 911 call at 10:57 p.m. for a building fire reported at Waikalani Drive in Mililani.

Officials said, based on information from the caller stating that the fire involved a lithium-ion battery-powered electric bike, the incident was upgraded to a second alarm, dispatching additional resources, including a Hazmat Unit.

The first unit arrived on scene at 11:06 p.m. and reported smoke emanating from the upper floor of the three-story apartment building.

Firefighters secured a water supply and initiated an aggressive offensive fire attack with handlines, quickly getting water on the fire at 11:12 p.m. and bringing it under control at 11:31 p.m.

Read more Hawaiian Airlines to replace free main cabin meals with pre-order menu July 1

Full extinguishment was declared at 11:41 p.m.

All searches confirmed that no occupants were inside the structure during the fire.

Overhaul operations commenced to extinguish remaining hot spots and check for hidden fire within walls and other void spaces, ensuring the fire had not spread further.

The American Red Cross was notified to assist the two people and two dogs who are now displaced from their home.

The HFD Fire Investigator was requested to determine the origin and cause of the fire and to assess damage.

Read more Police investigate murder in Hilo; unrelated to Puna manhunt