HONOLULU (KHON2) — A house fire that broke out in Waianae last week was caused by an overloaded power strip, according to the Honolulu Fire Department.
Investigators said the May 9 blaze at a home on Pohakea Place started accidentally. Several appliances such as a rice cooker, toaster, microwave, and what appeared to be a slow cooker were all plugged into a plastic six-outlet power strip.
HFD also noted that no smoke alarms were found anywhere in the home.
The fire caused an estimated $648,000 in damage to the property and another $15,000 in personal belongings.
Fire crews were called to the scene just after 2 p.m. on May 9.
When they arrived, the single-story home was fully engulfed in flames that had spread to nearby brush.
Crews were able to contain the brush fire, which burned about half an acre. The brush fire was under control by 2:37 p.m. and extinguished about an hour later.
Firefighters fully put out the house fire by 5:40 p.m.
All seven people inside made it out safely, and no injuries were reported. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.