Latest news with #HonoluluFireDepartment
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
HFD outlines dangers of China Walls, Spitting Caves
HONOLULU (KHON2) — If you're planning on spending summer days on the east side of Maunalua Bay, officials warn to be careful — especially if you plan on diving headfirst into the ocean. Illegal 3.5-foot-long snake captured in Kaimuki backyard Honolulu Fire Department is urging locals and visitors to be safe and to proceed with caution before jumping off the rocks at China Walls and Spitting Caves. Video Courtesy: DLNR As of May 1 this year, firefighters and paramedics have responded to incidents at Spitting Caves twice and incidents at China Walls six times. Just last month, a 20-year-old man was rescued after jumping into about 50 feet of water. In February, a 28-year-old man drowned at Spitting Caves. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Last year, HFD responded to China Walls 16 times and Spitting Caves four times. Officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, all expert watermen, are featured in a new safety video that dramatically depicts how easy it is to get swept out to sea and drown. 'Once they panic here, they're pushed off the point and this current line here will take them all the way to Diamond Head,' DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Lt. Vance Lime said. Check out more news from around Hawaii Lime added that it takes a very strong swimmer to escape the powerful waves and even experienced people have been hurt and killed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
How to protect your home, business from battery-related fires
HONOLULU (KHON2) — With a recent fire in Ewa Beach residential building on Sunday, May 11, questions are arising on how to protect your home or business from fires that are caused by Lithium-ion batteries. Another fire in 2024 was caused by a sparked e-bike lithium-ion battery in Kalihi, according to the Honolulu Fire Department. As of August 2024, HFD confirmed there were 29 battery-related fires with 25 incidents recorded in 2023. Lithium-ion batteries power many of our daily devices, from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and power tools. Ewa Beach building fire caused by lithium-ion battery While these batteries are efficient and widely used, they can pose serious fire risks if not handled properly. Understanding how these fires start and how to prevent them is crucial for keeping your home and loved ones safe. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are rechargeable energy storage systems that power many of the devices and vehicles we use daily that range from smartphones, laptops and electric vehicles to grid-scale energy storage systems (ESS). They are prized for their light weight, high energy density, and rechargeability. A lithium-ion battery consists of: Anode (negative): Typically graphite. Cathode (positive): Made from lithium metal oxides. Electrolyte: A flammable organic solvent that allows the movement of ions. Separator: Keeps the anode and cathode apart to avoid short-circuits. When charged or discharged, lithium ions move between the anode and cathode through the electrolyte. Problems arise when the system is damaged, overheated or improperly manufactured. These instances create conditions ripe for most dangerous failure mode is thermal runaway. That's when a chain reaction occurs where the battery cell overheats uncontrollably. This can happen when: The battery is overcharged. It's punctured or crushed. There's an internal short circuit. External temperatures are too high. Faulty charging occurs. This heat builds up and can cause the electrolyte to ignite that leads to violent fires or even explosions. Manufacturing defects due to poor separators or contamination. Physical damage created by drops, crashes or punctures. Overcharging or wrong chargers. Battery aging or exposure to moisture. Storage of used batteries improperly. Non-certified products such as counterfeit e-scooters or hoverboards. Use certified products: Always buy UL-listed or certified devices and batteries. Avoid cheap knockoffs or unlisted imports. Charge safely: Use the charger that came with your device. Avoid charging overnight or unattended. Do not overcharge or leave devices plugged in after full charge. Store safely: Keep away from flammable materials. Store in cool, dry places. Do not keep damaged or swollen batteries indoors. Handle with care: Don't puncture, crush, or expose batteries to water or extreme heat. Replace batteries if you notice swelling, odd smells, or overheating. Dispose properly: Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Take them to certified e-waste or hazardous materials recycling centers. HFD extinguishes residential fire in Ewa Beach For businesses: Ensure charging areas are ventilated and compliant with fire codes. Use fire detection systems that can identify overheating batteries. Educate employees on signs of battery malfunction and response procedures. Separate used v. new batteries and store used ones outside or in fire-resistant containers. Install sprinklers and thermal detection in battery storage areas. caught up with Hawaiʻi's infamous Bill Ogawa, who we all know and love as Battery Bill. He has a unique way of protecting his home and businesses from battery-related fires. 'I have built an outside shed special for lithium batteries. It is wooden against a cement wall,' explained Battery Bill. 'Any suspect lithium battery is put in the shed. If there is a fire, it will be contained outside and allowed to burn, but not harm any other structures.' He went on to explain further. 'The fumes, which could be extremely harmful, will be allowed to escape; but people will not be harmed. And ignitable gasses will be able to vent outside,' he added. 'This is obviously less dangerous for occupants as well as fire and police personnel. You can click to learn more from the Hawaii State Department of Health. You can click to learn more about Battery Bill. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 So, as you go through your days, be sure that you, your family and your employees understand the risks associated with these types of batteries and how to protect yourselves and your homes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ewa Beach building fire caused by lithium-ion battery
EWA BEACH, Hawaii (KHON2) — The Honolulu Fire Department has classified an Ewa Beach residential building fire as 'accidental.' The building fire happened on Sunday, May 11, around 6:30 p.m. when a working fire was found within a single-story residential building on Edgewater Drive. HFD extinguishes residential fire in Ewa Beach Upon arrival, HFD said firefighters secured a water supply and commenced a defensive fire attack to bring the fire under control just after 7 p.m. After further investigation, an HFD investigator said the fire was caused by 'the thermal runaway of an electric bodyboard lithium-ion battery that was recently charged.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The fire displaced four residents, who were found outside the building on the day of the incident. All residents received treatment from Honolulu Emergency Medical Services and one resident was transferred to The Queen's Medical Center – West Oahu. According to HFD, two pets were lost in the fire. The total damage is estimated at $628,000. Check out more news from around Hawaii HFD advises the public to only use the manufacturer's original charging equipment and follow charging guidelines precisely. Officials added that you should inspect batteries regularly for damage, swelling or deformation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
North Shore brush fire closes down portions of road
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A wildland fire blazed through the North Shore brush, with the Honolulu Fire Department first receiving word of the fire shortly after 7:15 p.m. on May 18. Several units responded to the fire as well as members from the Honolulu Police Department. Big Island firefighters extinguish abandoned building fire At 8:11 p.m., Haleʻiwa Beach Road from Waialua Beach Road to the fire station was shut down in all directions due to the hazardous conditions. Shortly before 9 p.m., HFD confirmed online that the fire was 75% contained, and the public is urged to avoid the area. According to authorities, no homes were involved and no evacuations are necessary. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ambulance fire in Waialae Iki under investigation, patient unhurt
A Honolulu Emergency Medical Services ambulance caught fire this morning in Waialae Iki, but no one was injured. The Honolulu Fire Department received a 911 call at 10 :59 a.m. for an ambulance on fire in the driveway of 2181 Okoa St. EMS relayed to HFD dispatch that all personnel safely exited the ambulance and relocated to the rear of the residence, HFD said in a news release. HFD said when firefighters arrived at 11 :08 a.m., the ambulance was engulfed in flames. Firefighters used a fire hose and 'aggressively attacked the vehicle fire, ' and brought it under control at 11 :11 a.m. and extinguished it by 11 :27 a.m. Shayne Enright, spokeswoman for the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, said a patient was inside the ambulance, ready for transport, when EMS personnel smelled smoke and used a fire extinguisher to try to put out the fire. When asked whether the fire originated in the engine compartment or elsewhere, Enright said that is under investigation. A second ambulance was called to transport the patient, who was listed in stable condition, to an emergency room. The Honolulu Fire Department is investigating the cause. The ambulance that caught on fire was not among the new rigs received by EMS. It is a 2020 Ford-350, which had been released into operation last week after undergoing scheduled servicing, including brake and ignition work, the Honolulu Emergency Services Department said in an email. It had logged 105, 000 miles. The ambulance will be replaced by another ambulance and put back into service. In Aug. 2022, an EMS ambulance caught fire in the driveway of Adventist Health Castle, killing a 91-year-old patient and critically injuring a paramedic. That case was linked to an oxygen device. The Honolulu Fire Department said that the fire originated at the portable oxygen regulator assembly. The paramedic was connecting a breathing device to a portable oxygen cylinder and heard a pop and saw a bright flash of light before smoke and fire began filling the ambulance. See more : 1 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
