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HFD identifies 25-year-old firefighter killed in McCully fire

A photo of Honolulu firefighter Jeffrey Fiala, 25, was placed today outside of the Young Street residential building where he was killed Monday night fighting a three-alarm building fire.
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A photo of Honolulu firefighter Jeffrey Fiala, 25, was placed today outside of the Young Street residential building where he was killed Monday night fighting a three-alarm building fire.

GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM
                                Firefighters viewed a charred two-story building at 1645 Young Street, today, which was the scene of a fire Monday night. A 25-year-old firefighter died and five people were seriously injured in the blaze.
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GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Firefighters viewed a charred two-story building at 1645 Young Street, today, which was the scene of a fire Monday night. A 25-year-old firefighter died and five people were seriously injured in the blaze.

COURTESY HFD
                                Honolulu firefighter Jeffrey Fiala
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COURTESY HFD

Honolulu firefighter Jeffrey Fiala

GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM
                                Honolulu firefighters douse a building fire at 1645 Young St. on Monday night that killed one firefighter and injured five people, including four other firefighters
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GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Honolulu firefighters douse a building fire at 1645 Young St. on Monday night that killed one firefighter and injured five people, including four other firefighters

A photo of Honolulu firefighter Jeffrey Fiala, 25, was placed today outside of the Young Street residential building where he was killed Monday night fighting a three-alarm building fire.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM
                                Firefighters viewed a charred two-story building at 1645 Young Street, today, which was the scene of a fire Monday night. A 25-year-old firefighter died and five people were seriously injured in the blaze.
COURTESY HFD
                                Honolulu firefighter Jeffrey Fiala
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM
                                Honolulu firefighters douse a building fire at 1645 Young St. on Monday night that killed one firefighter and injured five people, including four other firefighters

UPDATE: 2:55 p.m.

The 25-year-old firefighter killed in the Young Street fire Monday night has been identified as Jeffrey Fiala.

Honolulu Fire Department Chief Kalani Hao said today that Fiala, who had been with HFD for about a year and a half, and was dedicated member of the department who served with honor and courage.

“This tragedy has been truly heartbreaking for all of us,” Hao said at a news conference at HFD headquarters in Kakaako.

He said Fiala was known for his enthusiasm and love for the job.

“Everyone just loved to be around him,” Hao said, noting that he had a “short career but made a great impact.”

Hao said the other four firefighters who were seriously injured in the fire were scheduled to be discharged today from the Queen’s Medical Center. He said their injuries appear to be “minimal” and that he was more concerned for their emotional well-being following the tragedy.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi issued a statement “mourning the tragic loss of one of our brave firefighters, who made the ultimate sacrifice while heroically serving our city last night.”

“In the early hours of a dangerous fire in McCully, Jeff Fiala, just 25 years old, lost his life in the line of duty during a building collapse,” the mayor said. “A husband and dedicated public servant, he had been with the Honolulu Fire Department for a year and a half, bringing a sense of passion and commitment to protecting our residents.”

Blangiardi said his office will work closely with HFD to “provide the support and resources needed to honor his legacy and assist his family.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

A 25-year-old Honolulu firefighter died and five people were seriously injured Monday night in a two-story building fire on Young Street that caused a partial roof collapse.

Honolulu Fire Department Chief Kalani Hao said outside Straub Benioff Hospital in Honolulu that a firefighter who had been with the department for a year and a half had been “tragically killed … young man … very tragic.”

Four other firefighters were hospitalized at the Queen’s Medical Center, Hao said in a brief joint appearance with Mayor Rick Blangiardi. A sixth person, a civilian, was taken to a hospital in serious condition.

“It’s a very difficult time for us,” at HFD, Hao said. He thanked the community for their prayers and concerns.

Hao said the cause of the firefighter’s death is still under investigation.

“We’re off to a tough start to this year,” Blangiardi said, referring to a December plane crash that killed two young pilots, the deadly New Year’s fireworks explosions, and Monday’s night’s fatal fire.

Of Honolulu’s first responders, Blangiardi said, “These men and women stand ready each and every day to put their lives on the line.”

Firefighters responded to a 7:42 p.m. 911 call for a building fire at 1645 Young St. in the Pawaa-McCully area and the first HFD units arrived at 7:45 p.m. to find smoke but no flames coming from the two-story residential building, HFD officials said.

HFD Capt. Jamie Song told KHON and Hawaii News Now that a “mayday” call was issued at 7:58 p.m. because two firefighters were declared missing inside the structure that had a partial roof collapse.

Song said one of the firefighters was able to get out on his own but the second firefighter was “extricated” from the first floor by other firefighters at 8:24 p.m.

Besides the firefighter who died, a civilian and four firefighters were taken to the hospital in serious condition, according to Song.

At 8:29 p.m., HFD called a third alarm, requiring more units and firefighters, and they had the fire under control at 9:07 p.m., according to HFD. The fire was declared extinguished at 11:31 p.m., according to HFD, which responded with 23 units and about 61 personnel.

Police and Honolulu Emergency Medical Services personnel also responded. Police closed Young Street in both directions as emergency crews responded.

The Hawaii Red Cross officials said in a news release that volunteers responded to the 10-unit complex, “meeting with affected residents to ensure their immediate emergency needs are met.” They opened a shelter for displaced residents at the McCully District Park Gymnasium, 831 Pumehana St. The shelter is only for residents affected by the Young Street fire, according to the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management.

“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,” Red Cross officials said.

In a statement Tuesday, Gov. Josh Green said, “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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