Skip to main content

Official: Boys playing with lighter cause wildfire

HONOLULU (AP) — An out-of-control wildfire that has forced about 40 people to evacuate their homes on Oahu was caused by twin boys playing with a lighter, fire officials said Saturday.

The parents of the 7-year-old boys told investigators their sons inadvertently ignited the blaze on Friday in Makakilo, Honolulu Fire Capt. David Jenkins said.

Winds gusting to 30 mph pushed the flames uphill and into a rugged, inaccessible mountain area. The fire was threatening about 20 homes a few miles from the spot where it started.

The flames scorched a wall and door of one home.

Jenkins said crews were hoisted uphill to protect the homes as well as power lines and phone towers.

More than 100 firefighters, aided by water-dropping aircraft, were battling the flames.

There was no immediate word on how much land had been burned.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Emergency guide: What you should do to prepare for emergencies

WASHINGTON — Do you know what you'd do if an emergency hits? What if you're at work, your spouse is stuck in traffic and your children are in school? There's no way to plan for every emergency, but you can make sure you're prepared for different scenarios, including making a plan for your family and building a kit of emergency supplies.
Read Next Story