The cylinders will be removed today and tomorrow so the Honolulu Fire Department can continue investigation of the fire that erupted early Tuesday morning.

The fire destroyed Ocean Fresh Seafood and The Hawaiian Chef, both at the 'ewa end of the strip mall, 98-450 Kamehameha Highway.

The venting process could cause a cylinder to ignite, touching off a "controlled explosion" according to a state Department of Health news release issued today.

As a safety precaution, police began evacuating more than 20 households and businesses near the center at 6 this morning. Residents have been "pretty compliant," said state Department of Health spokeswoman Janice Okubo.

The area has been barricaded with sandbags and berms in case of an explosion.

Also, police are also closing part of Kamehameha Highway during the first 10 minutes of the venting process for each cylinder. It takes three hours to empty one cylinder.

"Our department's main concern was the noise that could be created (by an explosion)," Okubo said. "We don't want people to be alarmed."

Health officials are also working with an environmental contractor to ensure safe removal, Okubo said.

Firefighters responded at 1:38 a.m. on May 29 to a call of at least one loud "boom" and flames reaching 40 feet high.

Firefighters deemed the fire under control at 3:15 a.m. The cylinders were also damaged by the fire.

The strip mall, owned by Zippy's Restaurants, has about 10 tenants, including Wholesale Unlimited Express and Love's Bakery Thrift Store.