Inspectors have determined that Tuesday’s fire on the Big Island that gutted the building housing Maebo Noodle Factory was accidental.

"There’s no indication of a possible break-in or that it’s electrical," said Battalion Chief Richard Kihara, the lead fire inspector.

Jerome "Jerry" Bacon of Engineering Partners, a consultant hired by an insurance carrier, participated in the investigation, said Kihara. Fire officials declined comment on the cause but have not ruled out pyrolysis, which is decomposition of a compound — such as wood — caused by heat.

Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at $1.25 million. The building was insured by First Insurance Co. of Hawaii.

Man charged with escaping hospital

A 36-year-old man was charged yesterday with escaping from the Hawai'i State Hospital. Nathan Keaulii was scheduled to be arraigned in District Court today. His bail is $15,000.

Keaulii was arrested Wednesday at a Makaha home after his older brother saw him walking and offered him a ride home. The brother then called police.

Keaulii was under a court-ordered commitment to the hospital for a previous 2002 escape from the facility.

Suspect charged in Salt Lake burglary

Authorities have charged 37-year-old Potasi Uta with first-degree burglary in connection with a Salt Lake break-in Monday that resulted in a confrontation between Uta and a resident. The burglary occurred at 2 p.m. at a Ala Punene Place home.