Hilo apartment building evacuated after early morning fire

A Hilo apartment complex was evacuated early this morning after a fire broke out in one of the units.

According to a press release from Hawai‘i Fire Department, crews responded to Val Hala Apartments, located at 120 Pu‘ueo St., at 1:41 a.m. When firefighters arrived on scene they discovered flames coming from an apartment on the second floor.

The resident was not home at the time of the fire.

Building residents used house fire lines to try to extinguish flames. Fire crews had the blaze under control within minutes, and it was out by 1:51 a.m.

Crews also helped with water removal from the apartment that had the fire.

While no medical attention was given on scene, fire officials say one person was reported to have gone to Hilo Benioff Medical Center after suffering a burn injury to their arm.

The American Red Cross was notified and assisted the residents living in the fire-damaged apartment and the residence below after sustaining water damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.