One person is dead following an early morning structure fire in Hilo today that was so severe that the single-family home had partially collapsed before firefighters arrived.
Firefighters were called at about 3:11 a.m. to a fire at 368 West Kawailani St.
Four fire companies were dispatched with the first unit arriving at 3:14 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters said they found flames venting from the front of the 1,200-square foot home, and a partial collapse to the front of the building occurred.
Firefighters said they were told by neighbors that one occupant was believed to be inside the house. They discovered a victim in the home’s front bedroom, after the collapsed area was partially cleared during suppression efforts.