KILAUEA — A portable burner appears to have started the fire that destroyed a Kilauea home Sunday morning.
The fire was reported at approximately 9:30 a.m. at a two-story home on North Waiakalua Street. Firefighters from the Hanalei, Kaiakea, Kapaa and Lihue stations responded as well as the on-duty Battalion Chief, and had the fire under control at 10:05 a.m.
According to fire officials, the blaze appears to have started from an unattended flame from a portable burner in the patio area of the residence.
The occupants were able to escape the home without injury, but the home sustained roughly $700,000 in damages to the structure and its contents.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross also responded to assist.
It was the second of two structure fires that broke out over the weekend, leaving two Kauai families without homes.
The first fire broke out on Saturday afternoon along Nunu Road in Kapaa. Personnel from the Kapaa and Kaiakea stations arrived at approximately 4:30 p.m. to find the single-story home fully involved in flames.
Firefighters from the Lihue station also responded along with the on-duty Battalion Chief. The blaze was deemed under control within minutes of their arrival and crews remained on scene until approximately 7 p.m.
The home was considered a total loss with roughly $300,000 in estimated damages to the structure and its contents. No one was home at the time of the incident and officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
Those wishing to offer assistance are asked contact the American Red Cross at 245-4919.
