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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, August 4, 2008

Fire forces 375 guests to evacuate hotel; no injuries reported

Advertiser Staff

A restaurant ventilation fire yesterday forced the evacuation of 375 guests from the JW Marriott Ihilani hotel in Kapolei and caused an estimated $100,000 damage to structure and contents on the property.

No injuries were reported.

Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Terry Seelig said the wood-burning stove used by Azul restaurant on the ground floor of the 17-story building sends smoke up a duct to the roof. The 5:22 p.m. fire on the rooftop was caused by a buildup of carbon materials within the duct, Seelig said.

Thirty firefighters from five companies responded.

The guests were evacuated for about 30 minutes and were allowed to return to their rooms when the fire was extinguished at 6:30 p.m., according to Seelig.

"It was like a chimney fire," Seelig said, noting that the damage was caused by heat, smoke and water.