Honolulu EMS Parks Three Ambulances Amid Probe of Deadly Fire

Honolulu EMS has pulled three ambulances off the road following the deadly fire last month.

Three rigs of the same series will remain out of service while the probe into the cause of the Aug. 24 ambulance fire continues, officials told KHON.

“I’m pleased that they’re doing that, it is the responsible thing for EMS leadership to do,” said Bobby Lee, president of the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, speaking with reporters.

The fire left the 91-year-old patient dead and a paramedic seriously injured.

Originally, the professional firefighters' group requested members not get into the back of ambulances. However, Lee told the reporters they have backed off.

He noted that his colleagues will welcome the move to park ambulances similar to the one that caught fire.

There will be no change in operations with the department down three rigs, EMS officials noted.

EMS also has contracted an outside investigator in addition to the Honolulu Fire Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Honolulu Fire Department. They also are reviewing protocols.