Fire destroys abandoned home in Makiki
UPDATE: 9 A.M.
Honolulu firefighters extinguished a large, three-alarm fire that destroyed an abandoned home early today in Makiki.
Fifteen units with 60 firefighters responded to the blaze at the single-family dwelling at 1234 Matlock Avenue shortly after 4:30 a.m. When they arrived, the structure was fully engulfed in flames.
At some point the roof collapsed, trapping the fire within the structure which resulted in heavy, thick smoke, said Honolulu Battalion Chief John Bowers.
Winds also fanned flames to neighboring structures, causing damage to another home and an apartment building.
A woman described to be in her 80s who resides next to the abandoned structure safely escaped her home. Bowers said she was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and refused to be taken to a hospital.
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Firefighters brought the fire under control at 5:30 a.m. and extinguished it at about 7 a.m.
No injuries were reported.
>> View more photos from the fire in our photo gallery.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and a damage estimate has yet to be determined.
The home destroyed by the fire was built in 1918, according to city property records.
Area residents said the structure has been abandoned and that squatters have been residing there.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
Honolulu firefighters are battling a three-alarm fire that destroyed an abandoned home early today in Makiki.
Area residents first noticed the blaze at a structure on Matlock Avenue sometime before 5 a.m.
Police closed streets and a freeway onramp in Makiki this morning due to a large structure fire.
Matlock Avenue between Piikoi and Keeaumoku streets, the Piikoi Street onramp to the H-1 eastbound and Piikoi Street mauka of Kinau Street are all closed due to the structure fire on Matlock Avenue.
No serious injuries were immediately reported.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.