Puna structure fire under investigation

Fire officials are investigating the cause of a structure fire shortly before noon Friday in the Nanawale Estates subdivision of Puna.

Responding to the 11:48 a.m. alarm, firefighters arrived at 14-3271 Mauna Kea Road to find 20-foot by 30-foot unpermitted structure engulfed in flames with part of the roof already collapsed, according to the Hawaii Fire Department. Two cars were also involved in the fire.

The department said the unpermitted construction, large amount of debris and old car parts surrounding the structure and multiple lava tubes and uneven terrain made fire suppression efforts “incredibly challenging.” The fire was declared out at 1:45 p.m.

“Fortunately, no injuries occurred as a result of the blaze, and the family dog, which was initially missing, was located unharmed,” the department said in a press release.