Family flees fire’s wrath

Investigators believe the blaze originated at the kitchen stove

Ten people, including a toddler, escaped a Makiki house fire at 1139 Papaku Place near Kaahumanu Elementary School yesterday afternoon.

"The house is virtually destroyed," said fire Capt. Gary Lum.

Damage to the single-family dwelling and its contents was estimated at $150,000.

Fire investigators determined the fire originated in the stove area of the kitchen, Lum said. The Honolulu Fire Department received a call at 3:22 p.m.

When firefighters arrived on the scene four minutes later, the house was engulfed in flames, according to Lum. They brought the fire under control at 3:35 p.m.

The roof was collapsing on one side and firefighters had to remove a portion of the roof so investigators could conduct their investigation, Lum said.

Ten people including young children, teenagers and adults were at home at the time of the fire. They included guests visiting from the mainland, Lum said. About nine to 10 family members reside in the house, he said. But a total of 17, including visitors, were staying there, he said.

"Everybody got out unharmed," Lum said.

Susie Tumanuvao, a neighbor, said a 5-year-old boy at the house told firefighters he saw flames coming from the oven and from behind the stove.

About 34 firefighters fought the blaze.

Before firefighters arrived an electrician or contractor working on a nearby building tried to help extinguish the flames, residents told Lum.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family with housing and other needs.

Also damaged in the fire were a compact car and a van parked on the property, next to the house.