Fires seriously damage homes in Hilo, Naalehu

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A pair of fires Monday caused extensive damage to three homes, one in Hilo and two in Naalehu.

Ten units responded to a 4:37 p.m. alarm of a fire at 1873 Kaiao St. in the Waiakea Uka area of Hilo, with the first unit arriving four minutes later.

Arriving firefighters were greeted by heavy smoke coming from under the eaves of the home. Firefighters entered the structure to fight the fire, which was reported under control at 4:51 p.m. and extinguished at 5 p.m.

No one was home at the time.

Damage was estimated at $233,400 with saved property estimated at $35,000.

The scene was turned over to police and fire inspector and the cause of the blaze is under investigation.

In the Naalehu fire, eight units responded to an 11:55 p.m. alarm at 95-1217 Ohai Rd.

The first unit arrived at 12:03 a.m. Tuesday to find two single-family homes on fire, one fully engulfed in flames and the other about 75% involved. One of the structures collapsed, according to the Hawaii Fire Department.

The firers were reported under control at 1:230 a.m. and extinguished at 4:27 a.m.

Residents self-evacuated from the structures.

Damage estimates were $610,250 with saved property estimated at $551,250.

No injuries were sustained and the cause of the fire is under investigation.