Fire destroyed a home in Salt Lake this afternoon, and the body of a 5-year-old child was found in the ruins. KHNL News 8   Women consoled each other this afternoon near the scene of a fire in Salt Lake. KHNL News 8

Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Capt. Frank Johnson said the child was found around 4 p.m. in the home at 4411 Likini St. The child was pronounced dead at the scene, said Emergency Medical Services spokesman Bryan Cheplic.

Firefighters received the call at 2:20 p.m., and when they arrived five minutes later, the home was engulfed in flames, Johnson said.

Despite some language difficulties, the family was able to communicate to firefighters that 18 people were home at the time of the fire — but that one child was missing, Johnson said.

Firefighters began searching the rooms that they could enter safely and expanded their search as the fire was brought under control about 2:45 p.m., Johnson said.

Meanwhile, police combed the grounds, even bringing in a helicopter to aid in the hunt, said HFD spokesman Capt. Kenison Tejada.

The child, described as a 5-year-old, was found in one of the home's bedrooms. Cheplic said the body was "burned beyond recognition."

The Red Cross is helping the family.

Volunteer Jim Amos said the house was home to six families — one big extended family — a total of 29 people. At least a dozen of those were children.

The fire destroyed the three-bedroom house, Johnson said.

Police blocked off the scene, and police and fire investigators were combing through the ruins.