Firefighters put out flames at Maunawili home
Firefighters extinguished a fire early this morning at a vacant, two-story home in Maunawili, according to the Honolulu Fire Department.
At about 3:15 a.m., firefighters responded to a fire at 1361 Maleko St., where flames were exiting the right, rear corner of the home’s roof. No occupants were inside at the time. No injuries were reported.
The fire was brought under control at 6:09 a.m., according to the fire department, and fully extinguished by 1 p.m. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Damages are estimated at $1.8 million to the structure, and $50,000 to contents.
According to property records, the 6,866-square foot home was built in 1975.
Neighbor Rick Chung, 60, said the home has been vacant for several years and the homeowners periodically visit the property. He suspects a squatter has been living in the home, noting that he recently saw an unknown individual look through his neighbor’s mail.