Mountain View, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiʻi Island police and fire officials are investigating a fatal structure fire that occurred on Huina Road in Mountain View late Sunday night, July 6, 2025. The blaze completely engulfed a single-family residence, and a severely burned body was discovered within the remnants of the structure after the flames were extinguished.
At approximately 11:13 p.m., Puna Patrol officers and Hawaiʻi Fire Department (HFD) personnel responded to the reported structure fire in the 17-4400 block of Huina Road. Upon arrival, they found the single-story, single-wall dwelling approximately 70% involved in fire, with multiple pop-up tarps and two vehicles also on fire. A powerline was observed across the road, adding to the hazards.
Responding officers contacted a 79-year-old male resident who recounted that, shortly before he called 911, his 76-year-old wife informed him there was a fire in their garage. The man attempted to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher, but the fire had already spread. He reported being unable to re-enter the residence to call 911 and instead went to a neighbor’s home for help. When he returned, he could not locate his wife and feared she might be trapped inside.
Firefighters initially attempted an offensive strategy but quickly shifted to a defensive posture due to the extent of the fire and a report from the owner that munitions were stored in various locations within the dwelling. An initial quick search yielded negative findings due to the fire’s condition and the danger posed by the munitions.
The fire was successfully contained to the footprint of the dwelling, and the sleeping area of the home was saved from collapse. However, the fire was not fully extinguished, with several smoldering munition storage containers remaining, requiring caution during overhaul.
After firefighters brought the blaze under control, a severely burned body was discovered. The identity of the victim is pending positive identification and notification of next of kin. An autopsy will be performed later this week to determine the exact cause of death.
Area I Criminal Investigation Section personnel and Hawaiʻi Fire Department inspectors are continuing this joint investigation, which is currently classified as a fire and a coroner’s inquest.
The structure, valued at approximately $224,000, and its contents were deemed a total loss.
Police are asking anyone with information about this case to call Detective Daniel Tam of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2380 or email daniel.tam@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters may also call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.