At a press conference on Tuesday, Fire Chief Sheldon K. Hao identified the firefighter killed Monday night when the roof he was on while fighting a residential fire, collapsed.

Honolulu firefighter Jeffrey Fiala, 25, died due to injuries he sustained while fighting a fire in McCully.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of firefighter Jeffrey Fiala,” stated Fire Chief Sheldon K. Hao. “Jeff was a dedicated department member; he served for a year and a half. He served with honor and courage. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, especially his wife Fiona, his parents Michael and Kristine, his family, his friends and all of his colleagues during this difficult time. We ask all of you for your continued compassion and aloha as we all grieve his loss.

“This tragedy is truly heartbreaking for all of us. As firefighters, we know the risks of our job but we continue to run towards danger knowing that we are helping people in need. We all train our very best with the goal of getting everyone home safely at the end of the day. As you can imagine this is what makes this very difficult for our HFD ʻohana.

“On a positive note, the four other firefighters that were injured yesterday evening plan to be discharged today from Queen’s and they’ll be going home with their families with their love and support and also the support from the department as they physically and emotionally heal from this experience. We will continue to support everyone who has been affected by this event in the hope of honoring Jeff and how he served our community.”

Hao said when he spoke with Fiala’s colleagues, he said, “The common denominator was his enthusiasm, his love for the job, the energy he brought to work every day. Everyone just loved to be around him.”

Hao said Fiala began training on Jan. 10, 2023, got married later in the year, and went into the field on March 28, 2024. “A very short career, but again, he made a great impact on those around him and the community (during) his time served.”

Regarding an investigation, Hao said most of the information would come from the personnel Fiala was with and out of respect for those who are grieving and giving them time to heal, to “make sure they’re right within themselves,” officials haven’t reached that phase of the investigation.

There is an investigative process starting on Wednesday. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will meet with Hao and HFD officials to investigate the event, looking at all factors involved, look for ways to improve and implement any needed changes.

As for the injured firefighters, Hao said he saw them on the scene and said from what he could see physically, injury was minimal. His concern was for their emotional well-being. “It’s a very tragic event. Even though we train for things like this, (when) something like this happens you cannot train for it.

“We are a family. We live with each other 24/7. Go to battle with each other. You have these bonds … trust … no different than your blood family. It’s very unique in the fire service.

“We all are grieving. We ask for your continued prayers and support for all of our members,” requested Hao.

“I am deeply heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of one of our brave firefighters in the line of duty," said Gov. Josh Green in a statment. "This hero selflessly put their life on the line to protect others, embodying the very best of who we are as a community.
 
Our hearts are with his family, loved ones and fellow firefighters who were injured during this profoundly difficult time.”

Mayor Rick Blangiardi also issued a statement on the Fiala’s death through a news release and via Facebook:

Members of the Charlotte Fire Department in Charlotte, North Carolina, also paid tribute to Fiala on their Facebook page:

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.