Wailea fire’s damage
estimated at $1 million
WAILUKU >> A fire at the Four Seasons Resort in Wailea caused an estimated $1 million in damage to a portion of the building and contents, Maui Fire Capt. Val Martin said yesterday.
Martin said the fire, along with smoke and water, caused an estimated $700,000 in damage to the building and $300,000 to its contents, including the air duct area in the laundry room on the first floor and a fifth-floor utility room.
The water damaged towels and linens after the emergency sprinkler system was triggered by the fire, he said.
Martin said the cause of the fire remains undetermined, but investigators have ruled out arson.
He said the fire appeared to have begun in the air duct above the laundry room and caused the ignition of combustible materials in the utility room on the fifth floor.
He said investigators have classified the fire as accidental and are focusing on an expert review of the electrical system.
The fire, which took close to two hours to control after the alarm at 12:46 p.m. Tuesday, forced the temporary evacuation of 1,100 people, including workers, hotel spokesman Jim Kennedy said.
Fire officials initially estimated that 100 guests had to be relocated to other accommodations. But Kennedy said the actual count turned out to be 12 guests, and they returned to their rooms at the Four Seasons on the next day.
"It's completely back to normal, with the exception of the laundry," he said.
Kennedy said the hotel gave all guests a $150 credit on their rooms for their cooperation.
"No one likes to be inconvenienced while they're on vacation," he said. "The aloha spirit was in evidence all afternoon as the guests shared stories ... and neighboring hotels pitched in to make sure everyone was comfortable."