The Honolulu Star-Advertiser
(TNS)
A 25-year-old Honolulu firefighter died and five people were seriously injured Monday night in a two-story building fire on Young Street that caused a partial roof collapse.
Honolulu Fire Department Chief Kalani Hao said outside Straub Benioff Hospital in Honolulu that a firefighter who had been with the department for a year and a half had been “tragically killed … young man … very tragic.”
Four other firefighters were hospitalized at the Queen’s Medical Center, Hao said in a brief joint appearance with Mayor Rick Blangiardi. A sixth person, a civilian, was taken to a hospital in serious condition.
“It’s a very difficult time for us, ” at HFD, Hao said. He thanked the community for their prayers and concerns.
Hao said the cause of the firefighter’s death is still under investigation.
“We’re off to a tough start to this year, ” Blangiardi said, referring to a December plane crash that killed two young pilots, the deadly New Year’s fireworks explosions, and Monday’s night’s fatal fire.
Of Honolulu’s first responders, Blangiardi said, “These men and women stand ready each and every day to put their lives on the line.”
Firefighters responded to a 7 :42 p.m. 911 call for a building fire at 1645 Young St. in the Pawaa-McCully area and the first HFD units arrived at 7 :45 p.m. to find smoke but no flames coming from the two-story residential building, HFD officials said.
HFD Capt. Jamie Song told KHON and Hawaii News Now that a “mayday ” call was issued at 7 :58 p.m. because two firefighters were declared missing inside the structure that had a partial roof collapse.
Song said one of the firefighters was able to get out on his own but the second firefighter was “extricated ” from the first floor by other firefighters at 8 :24 p.m.
Besides the firefighter who died, a civilian and four firefighters were taken to the hospital in serious condition, according to Song.
At 8:29 p.m., HFD called a third alarm, requiring more units and firefighters, and they had the fire under control at 9:07 p.m., according to HFD. The fire was declared extinguished at 11:31 p.m., according to HFD, which responded with 23 units and about 61 personnel.
Police and Honolulu Emergency Medical Services personnel also responded. Police closed Young Street in both directions as emergency crews responded.
The Hawaii Red Cross officials said in a news release that volunteers responded to the 10-unit complex, “meeting with affected residents to ensure their immediate emergency needs are met.” They opened a shelter for displaced residents at the McCully District Park Gymnasium, 831 Pumehana St. The shelter is only for residents affected by the Young Street fire, according to the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management.
“Volunteers will continue to follow up with anyone affected in the coming weeks to provide referrals, guidance or additional assistance as needed to help with the recovery process, ” Red Cross officials said.
In a statement Tuesday, Gov. Josh Green said, “I am deeply heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of one of our brave firefighters in the line of duty. This hero selflessly put their life on the line to protect others, embodying the very best of who we are as a community.
“Our hearts are with his family, loved ones and fellow firefighters who were injured during this profoundly difficult time.”
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