Police investigating Ken’s tow lot fire as arson, burglary

A fire that damaged vehicles outside a Hilo business Monday night is being investigated as arson after the vehicles and business were found burgled.

Six vehicles were reported on fire Monday evening in the storage area at Ken’s Towing Service in Hilo’s Kanoelehua Industrial Area.

Nine units responded to the 9:05 p.m. alarm with the first unit arriving at the tow yard at 55 Kukila St. six minutes later. The fire was reported under control at 9:26 p.m. and extinguished at 9:35 p.m.

Fire officials estimated the damage at $18,000 and noted the quick response saved a $1.4 million warehouse on the east side of the storage area.

Fire inspectors discovered that the building and vehicles had been entered and noted that the fire was confined to the six vehicles fronting the building.

The cause of the fire and the circumstances of the burglary remain under investigation. Anybody with information about the case is advised to contact the Hawaii Police Department at (808) 961-2375.