Fire at an abandoned Kalihi house triggers 2-alarm response from HFD

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Honolulu firefighters rushed to a two-alarm building fire Tuesday morning in the Kalihi area.

Firefighters received the call around 9 a.m. for the fire along Pohaku Street. That road, along with Ahiahi Street, was shut down as firefighters worked to get the fire under control.

HFD responded with 11 units and over 40 personnel to the building, which was abandoned.

Smoke billowing from the fire could be seen as far as the airport viaduct area.

Area residents say the house is known to have an issue with squatters, and this is the second time a fire has broken out at the home.

“I seen some type of homeless guy that was hunkering around the area,” witness Nicholas Vegas said. “A little after that, maybe five minutes, the fire started blazing up. I heard this is the second time for this house since the couple passed away.”

Firefighters managed to get the flames under control in a matter of minutes, and it was deemed fully extinguished shortly after 10 a.m.

No injuries were reported. Fire investigators are working to find a cause.

No damage estimates were given.

This story may be updated.

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