Cause of suspected ‘ice’
lab fire undetermined

Answer: Fire investigators were unable to determine the cause of the April 9 fire at Hookumu Place in Pearl City.

Fire investigators had discovered ingredients used to "cook" crystal methamphetamine, or "ice."

The cause of the fire remained undetermined due to the hazardous nature of the chemicals, said fire Capt. Kenison Tejada.

Fire investigators turned the case over to the Narcotics/Vice Detail.

Police said no arrests were made since the ingredients for crystal meth can be obtained legally and over the counter.

No one was home at the time of the fire, but two cats died in the blaze.

Neighbors said the owners, a woman in her 60s and her son, had been thinking about selling the property. The home was sparsely furnished, and damage to its contents was estimated at $35,000. Damage to the structure was estimated at $300,000.