Arson suspected as man flees in flames

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Seven people were homeless yesterday after a house fire that was believed to have been intentionally set by a man who fled the home with his clothes in flames.

Witnesses saw a male resident of 84-461 Makaha Valley Road fleeing shortly before flames became visible in the house at about 5 p.m., said Fire Capt. Emmit Kane.

The man's clothing was on fire, the witnesses reported. He got into his truck and drove away.

Police found him last night and took him to an area hospital.

Kane said the man and a woman were alone in house before the fire. Neighbors said they had heard the couple arguing throughout the day.

As evening approached, the man left the house and then returned carrying two large red plastic containers of the type used to store gasoline. The woman left.

The man took the containers into the house, and a few moments later neighbors heard an explosion.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control within 11 minutes. The fire caused $180,000 worth of damage to the three-bedroom house and another $20,000 in damage to the contents.

Except for the man who fled, no one was injured.

Among those displaced by the fire were two children and a pregnant woman who said she had just completed stocking up on nursery items for the baby.

Four other houses on the lot were without utilities after the fire, Kane said.

The Red Cross was assisting the victims last night.

Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.