Pāhoa House Occupied by Squatters Destroyed in Fire

The Hawai‘i Fire Department (HFD) responded to a structure fire on Kahakai Boulevard in Pāhoa at 1:44 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018.

HFD reports that three engine companies responded to an occupied, single-story, single-family dwelling structure fire in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision that was fully engulfed and on fire.

A neighboring home, directly southwest of it, was being threatened with flames and heat impingment, and sustained damage from the radiant heat.

HFD personnel was able to contain flames to the building of origin and had it under control in 50 minutes after arrival, with the fire fully extinguished approximately one hour later, and overhaul of the structure following.

All occupants were evacuated from the structure prior to HFD arrival, and were assessed for injuries, with no injuries being reported. The occupants were reported to be squatters living in an unoccupied home.

The scene was turned over to Hawai‘i Police Department and Fire Investigators for further investigation.