House destroyed in fire in Puna believed to be abandoned, according to neighbors

No injuries were reported after a 1,400-square-foot home, believed to be abandoned, was engulfed in flames on Tuesday night in Puna.

Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to the report of the structure fire at 8:48 p.m., located on Kahakai Boulevard in Hawaiian Beaches. When they arrived on scene, firefighters found the single-story home ablaze with its roof already partially collapsed, according to a press release from the county fire department.

An abandoned vehicle in the driveway was also on fire. Neighbors in the area reported to crews that there was no one known to be living in the home.

There were exposed structures on both sides of the home that were being threatened by heat and fire, which crews were able to protect.

Twelve firefighters, along with three engines and two tankers, responded to the scene. The tankers provided water shuttle operations.

Flames were brought under control and ultimately snuffed out within about an hour. The cause of the fire is undetermined, and damages are estimated to be at $177,900.