Squatter activity suspected cause of Puna house fire

A structure fire in Puna is potentially linked to squatters, according to Hawai‘i Island police.

At 8:44 p.m. on Monday, Hawai‘i Firefighters responded to the blaze at the 15-0800 block of Kahakai Boulevard in Pāhoa. Once on scene, they found a 40-foot-by-25-foot single-story wood-framed structure with flames emanating from its eaves and windows.

Crews from Company 10 made an initial transitional attack. Flames were extinguished while a primary search for victims was conducted.

Fire officials said no one was found in or around the home. Since water and electrical were shut off to the structure, Hawai‘i Island police suspect recent squatter activity may have caused the fire.

The incident is still under investigation.

Hawai‘i Fire reports a loss of $100,000.