Subscribe Now
Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account
Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber?
Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.
Fire officials are investigating the cause of a Tuesday morning structure fire in Puna.
Responding to the 9:48 a.m. report, firefighters arrived at 15-2824 Lai Street to find a single-story, post-and-pier residential structure nearly engulfed in flames, according to the Hawaii Fire Department. A total of 14 firefighters battled the blaze, keeping it from spreading to an adjacent residence and surrounding trees.
The fire was declared extinguished about 11:30 a.m. Fire officials said no one was inside the home or at the scene upon their arrival, noting that the4 home is known to be occupied by squatters.
Damage to the 1,200-square-foot structure was estimated at $150,000. No injuries were reported.