PUNA, Hawai’i – Hawaiʻi Fire Department (HFD) units responded to a structure fire at the Sacred Hearts Public Shelter Housing Units in Puna on Thursday afternoon, May 22, 2025, at approximately 3:01 p.m.
Upon arrival, HFD personnel found a single-occupant, 10-foot by 10-foot residential wooden-framed structure heavily involved in flames, with fire actively extending from the doorway and windows. Hawaiʻi Police Department (HPD) officers were already on scene, having cleared bystanders and assisted in evacuating nearby housing units to ensure public safety.
The lone occupant of the burning unit, a female in her 60s, was safely out of the structure when fire crews arrived. No other structures in the complex were threatened by the blaze. Due to the contained nature and small size of the fire, several HFD units that were en route were subsequently cancelled.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel evaluated the female occupant at the scene. She was then transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center (HBMC) for further treatment of possible smoke inhalation.
Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control and extinguished it. The unit was thoroughly overhauled without further incident. Initial assessments suggest the fire may have been smoking-related. The estimated loss from the fire is approximately $15,000.