Honolulu Fire Department Relied On Risky Tactic In Deadly Blaze

Firefighters have a mantra: Risk a lot to save a lot. But a newly uncovered federal investigation into a firefighter’s death cautions fire departments against risking everything when they don’t know whether there’s anyone to save.

Heavy black smoke and flames were billowing from the first-floor window of the McCully home by the time Honolulu Fire Engine 9 arrived.

The kitchen of the residence on Young Street had been overtaken by the blaze, and Engine 2 firefighters were blasting it with water from the outside. To the acting captain of Engine 9, the hose team looked like they’d soon have the fire under control.

The next order of business would be to search the home for anyone trapped inside, he reasoned, according to an incident report he wrote later.

So his crew, including 25-year-old