3 family dogs die in blaze at ʻĀinaloa residence

Big Island firefighters and police officers responded to a structure fire shortly after 6:30 p.m. Friday in Puna that resulted in the deaths of three pets.

Upon their arrival at 6:39 p.m., first responders discovered a 30-by-40-foot single-story, single-family home at 16-2138 Hanalē Drive in ʻĀinaloa partially involved in fire. A total of 17 firefighters and 11 units from the Hawaiʻi Fire Department were dispatched to battle the blaze. Officers with the Hawaiʻi Police Department arrived first to provide a safe scene while firefighters worked to extinguish the fire.

The blaze was brought under control by 6:50 p.m. and extinguished more than an hour later at 8 p.m. The residence seemed to be in normal use, but none of its occupants were home at the time of the blaze. However, while firefighters overhauled the scene after it was extinguished they discovered three family dogs that were overwhelmed during the blaze and died.

According to the Fire Department, the fire also caused $250,000 in damages to the home. No people were injured by the blaze.

All units were back in quarters by 9:43 p.m.

Following the overhaul, the scene was turned over to fire and police inspectors for investigation, including interviews with neighbors, to determine the cause of the blaze. The investigation continues.