Firefighters believe the Waipahu condominium fire may have involved a lithium-ion battery

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser

HONOLULU — Honolulu firefighters extinguished a three-alarm fire overnight at the Waipahu Towers condominium after rescuing six people, including two infants, from the smoke-filled upper floors of the building.

The Honolulu Fire Department said it received a 911 call at 10:57 p.m. Monday reporting a fire at the eight-story condominium at 94-337 Pupumomi St. in Waipahu.

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Based on information that the building did not have a sprinkler system and that the fire may have involved an exploding battery, dispatchers upgraded the response to a third alarm and sent a total of 15 units and 49 personnel.

The first fire company arrived at 11:04 p.m. and reported smoke coming from the building’s top floor.

Firefighters established a water supply and launched an interior attack on a unit on the eighth floor. The fire was brought under control at 12:06 a.m. and fully extinguished at 12:18 a.m., according to HFD.

During firefighting operations, crews searched through heavy smoke and low-visibility conditions on the floor where the fire started.

Firefighters found four adults and two infants sheltering in place in separate apartments and assisted them to safety. Emergency Medical Services personnel provided medical care at the scene.

HFD said searches confirmed all other occupants had safely evacuated the building.

After the fire was extinguished, crews conducted overhaul operations to check for hidden fire extension inside walls and other concealed spaces. Firefighters also removed water from affected apartments and stairwells.

No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters, and all HFD personnel were accounted for.

The American Red Cross was called to assist residents displaced by the fire.

An HFD fire investigator has been assigned to determine the cause and origin of the blaze and assess the extent of the damage. The investigation remains ongoing.

The department reminded residents that lithium-ion batteries used in devices such as phones, laptops, e-bikes and e-scooters can catch fire or explode if damaged or improperly charged.

Officials advised people to use manufacturer-approved batteries and charging equipment, avoid charging devices on beds or couches and call 911 if a battery shows signs of overheating, leaking, swelling or other unusual behavior.

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