Hidden fire damages multi-million dollar home in Kamuela

South Kohala firefighters responded to a structure fire reported in a single-story family residence in Kāmuela around 1 a.m. on Sunday.

Tenants living in the 7,000-square-foot residence had evacuated the structure to the roadway before the Hawaiʻi Fire Department arrived.

Upon arrival, smoke was seen coming from the rafters and attic in the southwest corner of the house; however, no flames were present at the time. Two lines were deployed for fire attack and suppression, but the fire was hidden and took time to locate.

Fire crews began opening the walls of the bedroom in the southwest corner of the house, but the fire inside the walls and attic had progressed, and heavy smoke began to bank down in all areas surrounding the bedroom.

As crews opened more of the walls, the fire broke through the roof with flames visible in the southwest corner.

Due to the uncertainty of the fire’s extension and location, an additional company was requested to respond.

Crews continued to open walls and ceilings until they were able to get ahead of the fire in the attic space, which took several hours. By this time, there was an interior collapse of the roof in the large living room and kitchen area, potentially due to an HVAC system that was above the main fire, according to the Hawaiʻi Fire Department.

Crews contained the fire to about 25% of the main structure, and the fire was out in about two hours and 20 minutes.

According to the Hawaiʻi Fire Department, crews saved close to $20 million worth of the property, which has a value estimated at $26 million. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.