LIHU‘E — County officials have identified Lillian Lumacad as the elderly woman who was found dead on Dec. 26 at home in Koloa, following an early-morning blaze. Crews from Koloa, Kalaheo and Lihu‘e fire stations responded to the blaze, which
LIHU‘E — County officials have identified Lillian Lumacad as the elderly woman who was found dead on Dec. 26 at home in Koloa, following an early-morning blaze.
Crews from Koloa, Kalaheo and Lihu‘e fire stations responded to the blaze, which was reported at 2:45 a.m. The fire at the 1,200 square-foot wooden dwelling was brought under control at 3:10 a.m., a county press release stated.
When fire crews entered the structure, at 3748 Aloha Place, the body of the 86-year-old female was discovered.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A Kaua‘i Fire Department inspector said the home had no smoke alarms, and the incident should serve as a reminder to homeowners about the importance of testing smoke alarms and having fire escape plans.
“Your smoke alarm has the power to save your life,” said Fire Captain Daryl Date, head of KFD’s Prevention Bureau. “If you haven’t tested your smoke alarm lately, it may not be working. That is not a risk you can afford to take.”
The Fire Prevention Bureau also advises residents to have a fire escape plan and to practice it often.
“Real fires are hot, smoky and dark,” Date said. “You may only have a few minutes to escape safely.”
Additional tips offered by KFD officials include installing a smoke alarm in every sleeping area, and on every floor, testing smoke alarms on a monthly basis, and changing alkaline batteries at least once a year, even if they test good.
Batteries should not be removed from smoke alarm if it sounds during cooking, and fire extinguishers should be readily available and easily accessible in the event of a fire.
If a fire should break out, people should not spend time getting dressed or gathering valuables.
“Get out and stay out,” is the message presented by KFD and repeated during its annual Fire Prevention Month campaigns at Kaua‘i’s schools. A neighbor’s phone can be used to call 911 or the fire department.
Call 241-4985 for more information on fire safety.
