Honolulu firefighters responded to a pair of two-alarm fires on Saturday evening.
The first fire was reported around 7:30 p.m. on Ekolu Place in Wahiawa.
Thirty-five firefighters from eight companies battled a blaze that severely damaged the upper level of a two-story, multifamily house.
One person was home when the fire broke out but was alerted by a smoke alarm and was able to get out safely.
Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Capt. James Todd credited the working alarm with helping to prevent serious injury and encouraged the public to regularly check home smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly.
The second fire was reported at 7:33 p.m. on Ke Nui Road in Haleiwa.
Todd said the single-story wooden home sustained approximately 50 percent damage before the fire was extinguished.
About 35 firefighters from eight companies responded to the call.
Both fires are still under investigation. Damage estimates for both have not been determined.
13 people rescued after boat runs aground
Firefighters rescued 13 people Friday night after the sailboat they were on ran aground outside Ala Wai Boat Harbor.
Honolulu Fire Department Capt. James Todd said the keel of the 46-foot sailboat Boomerang got lodged on the reef near the surf spot Ala Moana Bowls about 7 p.m. The crew, which was participating in a boat race, lost the ability to steer and oncoming waves from a south-shore swell continued to push the boat toward shore.
Firefighters used surfboards to bring all 13 — nine men and four women — back to shore, where some were treated by paramedics for hypothermia, Todd said. The crews gave out eight blankets and a half-dozen towels and the boaters were able to dry and warm themselves in a heated ambulance, according to a city Emergency Medical Services spokesperson.
All were released at the scene.
Todd said firefighters asked the Hilton Hawaiian Village to hold off on its weekly fireworks show until the rescue could be completed. The fireworks were delayed about 20 minutes.
