Cause determined in $1.9M Waikiki residential fire, HFD says
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A massive commercial building fire in Waikīkī that caused nearly $2 million in damage earlier this week has been ruled accidental, fire officials announced.
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According to the Honolulu Fire Department, investigators determined the blaze at 310 Lewers St. originated in a storage room where a lithium-ion battery-powered light was plugged in and charging.
Officials said the battery experienced thermal runaway, igniting the light fixture and spreading to nearby flammable materials.
The fire caused an estimated $1.91 million in losses, including $1.76 million in structural damage and $150,000 in damaged contents.
What happened
Emergency crews were first dispatched around 7:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, initially responding to a 911 call reporting a building fire near 2155 Lauʻula St.
Firefighters arrived within seven minutes to find thick black smoke venting from the roof of the two-story commercial building. A total of 12 units staffed with 45 personnel responded.
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Crews secured a water supply and launched an aggressive offensive attack, bringing the flames under control by 8:26 p.m. and fully extinguishing the fire by 9:09 p.m.
All occupants inside the building safely evacuated, and firefighters confirmed no one remained trapped after searches.
No injuries were reported among civilians or responding firefighters.
Fire safety reminders
HFD is reminding the public that lithium-ion batteries store substantial energy in compact spaces and can overheat, catch fire or explode if damaged, defective or overcharged.
Smoke alarms to detect a fire are essential in every home, says HFD. Working smoke alarms save lives, allowing more time to escape.
More safety tips can be found on their website.
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