HONOLULU (KHNL/Gray News) – A 25-year-old firefighter died and several others were hospitalized after responding to a three-alarm building fire in the McCully area.
Honolulu fire crews said they responded to the blaze at about 7:40 p.m. Monday at a two-story residential building on Young Street, just off Punahou Street.
A Mayday call was issued just before 8 p.m. after two firefighters were declared missing.
One of the firefighters was able to make his way out right before a partial roof collapse happened in the back corners of the building.
Just before 8:30 p.m., firefighters were able to extricate the second firefighter from the scene but officials said he did not survive.
Additionally, six people were taken to the hospital, including five firefighters, that night.
Fire Chief Sheldon “Kalani” Hao called the situation very tragic. He said the fallen firefighter had been with the department for about a year and a half.
“It’s a very difficult time for us and we just ask for your prayers and support during this difficult time,” he said.
The other firefighters remain hospitalized as of Tuesday.
Brennan Sika, a resident of the building, said he believed the fire was sparked by a neighbor who was cooking that evening.
“He came out to the front and said he called 911 because his place had caught on fire while he was cooking something,” Sika said. “Smoke was coming out and then I happened to look over and the flames all came out at one time.”
Another witness described how fast the flames spread throughout the building.
“We could see the smoke and more and more people started to come outside. Flames were coming out of the rooftop of the building,” the witness described.
A crowd of firefighters gathered outside Straub Benioff Medical Center, they shared hugs and support.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi also stopped at the hospital.
“To lose a firefighter who was tragically killed in response to a fire is a very somber moment for us,” he said. “We’re off to a tough start of this year.”
Emergency crews shut down a portion of Young Street, from Punahou to McCully streets, to extinguish the blaze.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross met with affected residents of the 10-unit complex. A shelter was also opened at the McCully District Park Gym to provide a safe place for those residents impacted.
“I am deeply heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of one of our brave firefighters in the line of duty. This hero selflessly put their life on the line to protect others,” Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said. “Our hearts are with his family, loved ones and fellow firefighters who were injured during this profoundly difficult time.”
Fire officials did not immediately identify the firefighters involved but said their investigation remains ongoing.
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