Hilo Information Update for February 9th, 2020

Fire damages a residence in Waiakea Uka Sunday afternoon (February 9th).

(Out of Waiakea Uka) The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) along with the Hawaii Police Department (HPD) responded to a report of a residential structure fire in Waiakea Uka Sunday afternoon (February 9th).

The initial call came in at 12:46 pm Sunday afternoon and HFD crews from the Haihai, Central, Kaumana, and Waiakea Fire Stations along with Battalion 1 and HPD officers from the South Hilo Patrol responded to the scene located at the 600 block of Alohilani Drive in Waiakea Uka.

Upon the arrival of emergency crews, nearby residences and neighbors reported seeing smoke and flames coming from within the residences (residence being described as a single-story family dwelling). Occupants of the residence had safely evacuated prior to the arrival of emergency crews.

Once HFD crews arrived on scene, they found visible flames within the residences with heavy smoke coming from the eaves of the roof. Immediately went into defensive firefighting mode to gain control of the fire and prevent further spread. A downed electrical line to the residence created an obstacle for firefighters to workaround, however, it did not prevent crews from accessing the residence. HFD crews were able to have the fire under control at 1:04 pm and began salvage and overhaul operations to the interior of the residence.

At last check, as of 1:30 pm, HFD crews were still on completing firefighting operations and awaiting the arrival of HFD Fire Inspector to begin their investigation into the fire. Hawaiian Electric Company - Hawaii Island (HECO) crews were also on scene to de-energize the down electrical line.

HPD officers closed Alohilani Street, Haihai Street between Maunakai Street and Heahea Street while HFD crews worked to the scene to extinguish the fire.

The American Red Cross (ARC) is also on scene assisting the residents displaced as a result of the fire.