Stovetop burner caused fire that heavily damaged Aikahi Shopping Center
A stovetop burner accidentally left on overnight was discovered to be the cause and origin of a blaze that heavily damaged a Kailua shopping center early Thursday, Honolulu fire officials said.
Pets and staff from an animal hospital were evacuated after a fire broke out at about 3:14 a.m. at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in the Aikahi Shopping Center. The fire was mainly restricted to the kitchen, said Honolulu Fire spokesman Capt. David Jenkins.
But Jenkins said five businesses, including the animal hospital, share a common attic space where there was possible smoke damage.
Damage to the building and its contents was estimated at $400,000.
Thirty firefighters and eight fire companies responded to the two-alarm fire and brought the flames under control 10 minutes after the initial call.
No injuries have been reported.
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!