The cause of an early morning house fire today in Puna’s Orchidland Estates subdivision is under investigation.
According to a Hawaii Fire Department statement, 10 units responded to the 12:23 a.m. alarm with the first unit on scene at the home at 16-1569 35th Ave. at 12:34 a.m.
Arriving firefighters found a flames self-ventilating from windows on three sides of the single-story, 1,056-square-foot home. The main electrical line above the meter was arcing and Hawaii Electric Light Co. personnel were called in to disconnect the power at the road.
A lone occupant made it out of the home. The occupant was assessed by HFD medics but refused transport to Hilo Medical Center. No other injuries were reported.
Fire officials estimated the property damage at $118,000 to the home which, according to the county Real Property Tax Office website, is owned by George and Debra Evangelista.
An estimated $13,200 in value was saved by firefighting efforts, according to the statement.