Quick response saves two dogs in Hilo house fire

Quick response by firefighters saved the lives of two dogs hiding inside a burning home in the Waiakea Houselots area of Hilo during lunch hour Tuesday.

A total of 11 units responded to the 12:24 p.m. alarm, with the first units arriving at the Hinano Street home four minutes later.

Arriving firefighters noticed black smoke coming from the rear of the home with the possible involvement of a propane gas tank.

The fire was contained to the kitchen area, and was extinguished at 12:39 p.m.

A search of the home turned up the pooches, afraid but unharmed, according to a Hawaii Fire Department statement.

Damage from the fire was estimated at $25,000. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.