KAILUA-KONA — Police and fire personnel are investigating a truck trailer fire reported early Wednesday near Target’s loading dock area.
The Hawaii Fire Department said no injuries were reported from the fire, and police said the total amount of damages had yet to be determined as of Wednesday afternoon.
The first firefighters arrived on scene at 1:50 a.m., where they found a 40-foot container on a trailer with the rear door entry area on fire next to Target’s loading zone entry door. Units responded from the Kailua-Kona, Makalei and Keauhou fire stations.
Flames and black smoke were visible near the rear bottom of the trailer, HFD said. Firefighters from Kailua-Kona and Makalei used turrets to keep the fire from spreading into Target.
The container reportedly held mixed merchandise, including propane and helium gas cylinders that were detonating.
HFD said a Meadow Gold truck driver arrived on scene and helped move the container away from the building so firefighters could put out the fire.
The fire was reported under control at 4 a.m. and out a half-hour later.
In a statement, a Target spokesperson said the company was able to open the store to customers while store teams worked with crews to dispose of damaged items and clean up the area. The company is also supporting authorities “in any way that we can be helpful to their investigation.”
The cause of the fire remains unknown, the Hawaii Fire Department said. Surveillance footage shows a person in the area 16 minutes before the start of the fire.
Police in a press release said both they and fire personnel are investigating the incident. Anyone who may have information about the fire can call Det. Dominic Uyetake at 326-4646, ext. 228, or the department’s nonemergency number at 935-3311. Tips can also be emailed to dominic.uyetake@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
