The fire was reported at 10:56 p.m. at 92-489 Akaula Place in Makakilo.

Cause of the blaze hasn't been determined yet.

"It was a three-bedroom home with a single occupant," said Capt. Terry Seelig of the Honolulu Fire Department. "The damage is estimated at $275,000 — $245,000 for the structure and $30,000 for the contents. It was completely destroyed."

Seelig said the woman found the fire after smelling smoke and hearing popping coming from her living room.

"The home is 45 years old and it doesn't seem like she had thrown much out since then," Seelig said. "She had collected a lot of stuff that ended up blocking her way out through the front door. She couldn't get out.

"Fortunately, she was able to get to her bedroom window and a neighbor heard her screaming and yelling for him. When he ran outside and saw what was happening, he grabbed her and yanked her out."

Seelig said the neighbor, Dane Johnasen, also called 911.

"It was a real brave act of rescuing her," Seelig said. "He didn't go into the house, but he managed to pull her out."

Volunteers from the American Red Cross were also at the scene and are providing shelter and necessities for the woman, said Jennifer Walter, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross.

"We're providing clothing, food and new bedding," Walter said. "She has a place to stay tonight, but we'll check in again in the morning. This is fourth fire the Red Cross has responded to on O'ahu in as many days. One (Monday night) and two over the weekend."

Because of all the clutter — newspapers, excess storage, etc., — the fire continued to smolder after firefighters initially put out the blaze.

It was finally deemed under control after midnight because firefighters had to pull out the papers and excess storage and apply foam to the loose materials to make sure it was all extinguished, Seelig said.

Four engines, two ladders and one tanker, encompassing 30 firefighters, responded to the call.