When a fire broke out the night before Thanksgiving in a Mililani cul-de-sac, neighbors rushed to help using water hoses to try keeping the flames from spreading until firefighters arrived.

As the family who had lived there for 10 years watched their home and most of their possessions go up in flames, other neighbors brought food. Some went shopping to buy toiletries, clothes and other items the husband, wife and 19-year-old son might need. Family members declined to give their names.

“;We're just thankful everybody got out in one piece,”; said Nathan Harrison, who lives a few doors away.

The two-alarm fire broke out at 8:06 p.m. at 95-245 Hoeu Place. Flames were visible as firefighters approached the home.

“;The fire just started coming out of the roof,”; said Russell Satele, who lives next door.

“;I just heard my wife yell, 'The house is on fire,'”; Harrison said.

Neighbors made sure the family living there was outside and then started spraying water on it.

Yesterday, people who live in the area and members of the family's church began talking about ways to help their neighbors by collecting food and other donations to help them rebuild.

“;It hit home with my family last night,”; Harrison said. He said he talked with his two daughters about fire safety.

“;We all pitched in and did whatever we could,”; he said.

Investigators believe the fire started when tiki torches burning in the back yard ignited bamboo shades on the lanai either because the wind blew the shades over the flame or the torches tipped over, said Fire Department spokesman Capt. Terry Seelig.

Damage was estimated at $300,000 - $260,000 to the structure and $40,000 to the contents. A home next door suffered about $50,000 damage.

Seelig said the fire is a reminder that people should make sure there are no combustibles nearby when using an open flame from a torch or candle.

A 22-year-old son, who lives in an apartment on his own, said his family did not want their names in the paper and did not want to talk about their plight.

He was at the scene yesterday gathering information for the insurance company and talking with other neighbors.

He said he is grateful for their help.

“;They've helped us out more than we can believe,”; he said. “;Everybody gave food and checked last night and made sure we were all right.”;

Another neighbor, Leanne Donohue Williams, said she would help coordinate donations for the family. Anyone interested in helping can call her at 286-8831.