An apartment fire near downtown Hilo snarled traffic Tuesday afternoon but no one was injured.
The fire apparently started in a third-story apartment at about 3:15 p.m. in the building at 270 Ululani St..
“It originated from an apartment on the top floor,” said Hawaii Fire Department Battalion Chief Neil Yoshioka. “We’re just waiting for the fire inspector to come and he can confirm (that).
“When we got here, smoke was coming out of the front and back windows. We made entry and extinguished the fire. … Right now, we’re just making sure it didn’t extend to any other units.”
Yoshioka said firefighters were checking all units to make sure they didn’t sustain smoke damage from the fire or water damage from the fire being extinguished.
The blaze, which occurred a short block from the central Hilo fire station, caused white smoke to billow from the top story of the three-floor building. Engine and ladder units and two ambulances responded, although it didn’t appear anyone was transported to the hospital.
“Everybody’s safe; the building has been evacuated,” Hawaii Police Department Lt. William Derr said at the scene. “Red Cross is responding to help anybody whose apartment has been affected.”
Ululani Street was closed between Ponahawai and Haili streets because of the response. A patrol officer directed traffic at the corner of Ululani and Ponahawai during afternoon rush hour.
Police said the street was reopened in a 6 p.m. email.
Many of the building’s residents were milling around the parking lot or sitting in a small grassy area to the side of the building, waiting to see whether or not they would be allowed to re-enter their units. Some appeared shocked or saddened, while others seemed a bit less concerned. At least two were petting dogs.
“I’m just hoping I don’t have to go to a shelter,” said a woman, who declined to give her name.
According to county property tax records, the 39-unit building, which sits on a 1/3-acre parcel, is a condominium with separate owners for each unit.
A damage estimate wasn’t available at press time.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
