Fire in Nuuanu Home Linked to Portable Hotplate

The Honolulu Fire Department has determined that a fire in a Nuuanu home on Sunday was caused by a portable hotplate. The incident is classified as accidental.

According to a fire investigator, the blaze originated in the living room of the residence located at 2740 Puunui Ave., where the hotplate ignited nearby combustibles. The estimated damages total $333,000, which includes $306,000 to the property and $27,000 to the contents. Firefighters responded to a 911 call received at 11:19 p.m. and successfully controlled the fire by 11:33 p.m., extinguishing it completely by 11:53 p.m. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, although one occupant evacuated and was assessed by paramedics on-site. The HFD urges the public to maintain clear cooking areas free of flammable materials.