Pahala, HI – A single-family home on Puahala Street in the Pahala District of Kaʻu suffered significant damage late last night after a fire broke out due to the accidental misuse of equipment. Hawaii County Fire Department (HCFD) Company 11 responded to the call, which came in at 11:46 PM, at 96-3121 Puahala Street.

Upon arrival, fire crews found the single-story home approximately 50% involved with flames. According to HCFD, the fire was unintentionally started by the occupant who was using a torch to clear pests. The flames quickly spread throughout the interior of the house.

Firefighters immediately initiated an aggressive attack, tackling the blaze both from the exterior and by making entry into the structure. Crews were able to contain the fire to the home of origin, preventing it from spreading to neighboring residences.

The occupant of the home was able to self-extricate and thankfully sustained no injuries.

During the firefighting efforts, crews discovered multiple propane tanks and gas cans inside the residence, highlighting the potential for a much more dangerous situation.

The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental and attributed to the misuse of equipment. The estimated loss is approximately $350,000, while the estimated saved value is $50,000.

The Hawaii County Fire Department is using this incident to remind residents to exercise extreme caution when using fire and flammable objects near their homes. They stressed the importance of storing propane tanks and gas cans in proper, well-ventilated areas. Furthermore, HCFD urges all homeowners to install and maintain working smoke detectors and to keep home fire extinguishers readily available. These simple measures can significantly increase the chances of early detection and suppression, minimizing the potential for property damage and saving lives.