Probe of Fire that Destroyed Honolulu Emergency Services Ambulance Underway

May 19, 2025

The patient and Honolulu EMS crew escaped when the fire broke out.

A patient and an EMS crew escaped safely when their ambulance went up in flames in East Oahu.

An investigation is underway to determine why the ambulance, a 2020 Ford F-350 with over 100,000 miles, caught fire, KHON reported.

The fire occurred as the ambulance backed into a driveway. The patient was transferred to another rig and taken to a hospital.

Honolulu City Councilmember Val Okimoto said upon learning about the fire: “I have, and will continue to urge the city administration to expeditiously create a task force that will explore a merge of our current HESD with the Honolulu Fire Department. Further delaying this matter may lead to future incidents and expose the city to undue risk and liability. I will always be an advocate for our frontline first responders and I will continue to advocate for positive change and improvement to the current system.”

“When it comes to protecting the health and safety of our active first responders and the patients they are entrusted to treat and transport, the city should take all necessary precautionary and proactive measures."

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.