"Outside on our lanai there were flames of fire shooting up and he was yelling to wake us up," Arelliano said. "Then he and my boyfriend fought the fire until the firefighters got here."

Hear more from Arelliano in this ADVERTISER VIDEO.

Firefighters were called to 3123 Olu Street, just behind Genki Sushi on Kapahulu Avenue, around 2 a.m. The fire was under control within minutes and little damage was done, thanks in large part to some neighborly help.

Arelliano said four people usually stay in the home, and two more live in the house in back. No one was injured in the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation and no damage estimates were available.

"We have a washer and dryer back there," Arelliano said. "And some regular gardening stuff.