HFD investigating cause of 2-alarm blaze that tore through Pauoa Valley home

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Firefighters extinguished a 2-alarm blaze in Pauoa Valley Thursday evening.

Fire crews responded to the scene about 5:15 p.m. at 2345 Kaola Way.

Upon arrival, they found flames emanating from a 3-story home.

Firefighters initiated an aggressive fire attack from multiple locations with handlines and a high-volume master stream from a ladder.

A search for victims in multiple homes was conducted to confirm that no one was inside.

Officials said one neighboring home suffered exposure damage and HPD escorted three residents to EMS officials on scene for unknown reasons.

EMS said it treated a 50-year-old man who suffered smoke inhalation from the fire. He’s in stable condition.

Smoke from the blaze could be seen from miles away.

“There was all this smoke. I got a picture of it thinking it’s probably someplace else, maybe not even in our valley,” said neighbor Jen Wheeler. “But then as I drove home closer and closer... It looked suspiciously like my house.”

Wheeler’s mango tree go singed but her house was okay.

The fire was under control around 5:40 p.m. and extinguished at 6:50 p.m.

No one was inside the home at the time of the fire.

Police had closed down a portion of Booth Road between Booth/Star Road and Pacific Heights Road/Kaola Way but it is since been reopened.

The cause of the fire and damage estimate remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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