Honolulu firefighters pulled two people and several dogs out of a burning Kalihi home Monday afternoon after flames ripped through a residence on Gulick Avenue, fire officials said. The blaze, which broke out shortly before 12:50 p.m., drew a heavy multi-unit response that kept the fire from jumping to neighboring houses.
According to Hawaii News Now, crews arrived to find smoke and flames pouring from the front of a one-story home with multiple sublevels. Firefighters searching the structure located two occupants on a lower level and escorted them outside to safety, while other crew members secured several of the family’s dogs. Emergency Medical Services treated the two people at the scene. The outlet reports that firefighters had the blaze under control by about 1:30 p.m., with full extinguishment around 10 minutes later.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that roughly 12 units and about 45 personnel responded to the fire, and that the 911 call came in at 12:49 p.m. Coverage identifies the home as 1662 Gulick Avenue in Kalihi. Authorities said an investigation into how the fire started and the extent of the damage is underway.
How crews worked the scene
Firefighters methodically moved through the home’s sublevels to be sure no one was left inside while attack teams hit the main body of the fire and carried out overhaul operations. The split-level layout meant crews had to work through enclosed spaces and pull apart burned materials to expose hidden hot spots. Hawaii News Now notes that firefighters also removed the dogs from the property and coordinated medical care for the rescued occupants.
Investigation and next steps
According to the Star-Advertiser, investigators stayed on scene to determine the fire’s origin and cause, and officials have not yet released a damage estimate. Standard origin-and-cause work typically includes canvassing neighbors and examining electrical systems, appliances and the identified area of origin.
Context for Kalihi
Kalihi has seen several building fires in recent months; Hoodline previously covered a fast-moving Kalihi house blaze that crews knocked down in February. Coverage of earlier incidents has highlighted ongoing concerns about aging housing stock and the value of working smoke alarms and clear escape plans.
City officials have reminded residents to check their smoke alarms and review family evacuation plans. The Honolulu Fire Department has not released further updates. This story will be updated if authorities announce damage estimates or findings from the investigation.
