Good Samaritans Douse Blaze at Blanes

Hawai‘i Island firefighters responded to a report of smoke emanating from Blanes Drive Inn in Hilo on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, 3:34 a.m.

The fast-food restaurant is located at 150 Wiwo‘ole St.

Upon arrival at scene, firefighters found smoke inside the buiding. The fire had already been extinguished by good Samaritans who reported the incident. 

They had kicked in the door and extinguished the fire with extinguisher found inside the building.

A 12-by-6-foot area outside of take-out counter was destroyed in the fire.

Firefighters ventilated and investigated entire building and remained on scene until turning it over to Hawai‘i Police Department and Hawai‘i Fire Department inspectors. 

Damage is estimated at $14,400. The value of the saved structure is estimated at $625,000.