Firefighter killed, 5 others hurt in 3-alarm McCully building fire

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A 25-year-old firefighter died and several more were hospitalized Monday night while responding to a three-alarm building fire in McCully.

At around 7:42 p.m., crews responded to a fire at a two-story residential building on Young Street, just off the Punahou Street intersection.

A mayday call was issued just before 8 p.m. after two firefighters were declared missing, fire officials said.

One firefighter was able to make his way out, officials said. Not long after, a partial roof collapse was reported in one of the back corners of the building.

At 8:24 p.m. firefighters were able to extricate the second missing firefighter, fire officials said.

Six people were taken to the hospital: one firefighter in critical condition, and four other firefighters and one civilian in serious condition.

Fire Chief Sheldon “Kalani” Hao later confirmed one of the firefighters died, a “young man, very tragic.” He had been with the department for a year and a half, Hao said.

The other firefighters remain hospitalized at Queen’s, Hao said.

“It’s a very difficult time for us and we just ask for your prayers and support during this difficult time,” he said.

A resident of the building told HNN he believes the fire may have sparked by a resident who appeared to be cooking.

“He came out to the front to wait for 911 to be called and he said he called 911 because his place had caught on fire while he was cooking something,” Brennan Sika said. “Smoke was coming out and then I happened to look over here and the flames all came out at one time of that

Another witness described how fast the flames spread throughout the building.

“We could see was the smoke and more and more people came outside and it wasn’t until maybe 20 minutes later we walked down Young Street and we were able to see some of the flames that were coming out of the rooftop of the building that is on fire,” another witness described.

A crowd of firefighters gathered outside Straub Benioff Medical Center, sharing hugs and support.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi was also at the hospital and made some brief comments after learning about the firefighter’s death.

“To lose a firefighter who was tragically killed in response to a fire is a very somber moment for us,” he said. “In fact, the last several weeks going back to the plane crash, and then certainly New Year’s Eve and tonight, we’re off to a tough start of this year.”

Emergency crews shut down a portion of Young Street, from Punahou to McCully streets, to extinguish the blaze.

The incident remains under investigation.

Volunteers with the American Red Cross met with affected residents of the 10-unit complex to ensure their immediate emergency needs were met.

A shelter was opened at the McCully District Park Gym Monday night to provide a safe place for those impacted.

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.

Gov. Josh Green issued a statement Tuesday saying, “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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