Update: Robot vacuum blamed for triggering devastating Kailua house fire

A robot vacuum cleaner is to blame for starting a fire that devastated a home in Kailua on Monday, fire investigators say. The fire burned a two-story home at 16 N. Kalaheo Avenue. According to Honolulu Fire (HFD) investigators, a robot vacuum cleaner knocked a heat gun onto the floor of the home. The fall caused the heat gun to turn on, which in turn started the fire. HFD was called out to the home just after 1 p.m. on Monday. Firefighters said they extinguished the fire just after 2 p.m. The fire caused extensive damage to the home. According to a preliminary damage estimate, approximately $700,000 in damage was caused to the structure and another $60,000 of damage was caused to the contents inside. No one was inside the home at the time the fire started and no firefighters were injured during their response.
KITV ABC 4 Honolulu

Follow Up: Fire at Pu’unene metal recycling facility on Maui raises concerns among nearby residents

VIDEO: The fire that broke out at a metal recycling plant on Maui over the weekend raised concerns among nearby residents. Some fear of more blazes igniting in the near future as fire season is right around the corner. For some, Saturday’s blaze at the Hammerhead Metals Recycling facility in Pu'unene conjured up memories of recent fires that happened in the area. "In 2018, we had a big fire that burned all across for miles, from north to south and it literally burnt right to the edge of our homes in North Kihei," Michael Moran, of the Kihei Community Association, said. The group reported it has been in talks with county officials on how to protect the area from wildfires. Moran pointed out that similarly to Lahaina, evacuation routes are limited on the South Side, with only one main Highway along with South Kihei Road.
KITV ABC 4 Honolulu