Posted at 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, June 26, 2001

7 left homeless after Wai'anae fire

A fire in Wai'anae destroyed a single-story home and left seven people homeless early today.

Two engines, one ladder and 14 firefighters responded to the 12:26 a.m. alarm at 86-125 Puhano St., said Honolulu fire department spokesman Capt. Richard Soo.

"The family ran outside the house, and they were on the street," said neighbor Chrystal Morales. "And the kids kept on saying, 'What happened, what happened?'"

The blaze was under control by 12:36 a.m. and extinguished by 1:17 a.m.

The fire began on an outside patio, but it is not known what caused it, said Soo.

"Investigators suspect a gas leak, so they are bringing representatives from the gas company to the house today," he said.

Damage to the structure was estimated at $80,000.

The Red Cross is providing shelter, food and clothing for the four women and three children who lived in the house. Cash donations may be sent to: American Red Cross Hawai'i State Chapter, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816.