'EWA BEACH — With the help of neighbors, 96-year-old Epifanio Pacquing escaped his blazing home with minor injuries yesterday, Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Frank Johnson said.

But Pacquing's home of more than 40 years was destroyed.

"He (Pacquing) was able to make it out with the assistance of some of his neighbors who helped him when he got to the front door," Johnson said.

"There was a lot of smoke at the time, and we're very thankful that they were able to get to him and help him out. It was very courageous, what they did."

After escorting Pacquing to safety, neighbors attempted to contain the fire with water hoses, Johnson said.

Pacquing, who had lived in the home at 91-952 Fort Weaver Road since the early 1960s, refused treatment from Emergency Medical Services. According to his two sons, Reuben Pacquing, 52, and Ronald Pacquing, 50, the elder Pacquing appeared to be in good shape following the ordeal, although they said he did suffer minor burns to his left shoulder.

Both sons lived in the house with their father, although the elder Pacquing was home alone when the fire was reported shortly before 2 p.m., Johnson said.

The house was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, he said. The single-story, four-bedroom residence was built in 1960, according to public records.

Johnson said Pacquing was sleeping in the house when he was awakened by the sounds of the fire. The home did not have smoke detectors, Johnson said.

"The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time," Johnson said. "There's nothing to lead us to believe that anything suspicious happened."

Reach Will Hoover at whoover@honoluluadvertiser.com.