Firefighters Contain High-Rise Blaze at Makua Alii Condominium in Honolulu

Honolulu firefighters responded to a high-rise emergency on Saturday morning, successfully extinguishing a fire on the 11th floor of the Makua Alii condominium. Whereas the incident resulted in the displacement of a resident and the evacuation of an elderly woman, authorities reported no major injuries.

Rapid Response at Kalakaua Avenue

The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) received an emergency call at 7:04 a.m. Regarding a fire at the Makua Alii condominium located on Kalakaua Avenue. The first units arrived on the scene at 7:12 a.m.; though, first responders noted that there was no visible smoke or flames emanating from the exterior of the building upon arrival.

Upon entering the structure, crews initiated an interior attack to locate the source of the blaze. Firefighters identified the fire within a unit on the 11th floor and were able to fully extinguish the flames by 7:23 a.m., bringing the total response time from the initial call to containment to under 20 minutes.

Resident Impact and Assistance

The fire’s impact was concentrated within the 11th-floor unit, leading to the following outcomes for residents:

• Medical Treatment: Emergency Medical Services treated a woman in her 80s who was evacuated from the building.
• Displacement: One male resident was displaced by the fire. The American Red Cross was notified to provide necessary assistance to the affected individual.

An HFD fire investigator has been assigned to the case to determine the exact cause of the blaze and to assess the total property damage.

Context: High-Rise Fire Risks in Honolulu

High-rise fires present unique challenges for emergency responders due to the height of the structures and the complexity of interior evacuations. Honolulu has faced severe high-rise incidents in the past, most notably the Marco Polo condo fire on July 14, 2017. That incident, which occurred in a 36-story building, resulted in four deaths, 13 injuries, and over $100 million in property damage, with more than 200 units damaged or destroyed.

Key Takeaways: Makua Alii Incident

• Location: Makua Alii condominium, Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu.
• Timeline: Reported at 7:04 a.m.; extinguished by 7:23 a.m.
• Incident Site: 11th floor.
• Casualties: No deaths; one elderly woman treated; one man displaced.
• Current Status: Under investigation by the Honolulu Fire Department.

As the investigation into the Makua Alii fire continues, officials will work to determine the trigger of the 11th-floor blaze to prevent similar occurrences in the city’s high-density residential buildings.