Early morning fire damages Volcano Golf and Country Club

A fire early this morning substantially damaged the main commercial building at Volcano Golf and Country Club.

Nine companies responded to the 4:50 a.m. fire with the first unit on scene six minutes later. Responding firefighters found the retail portion of the 6,787-square-foot building fully engulfed in flames.

According to a Hawaii Fire Department statement, a neighbor heard the fire crackling and called 911. A district company with only four personnel was able to knock down the fire and keep it under control until companies could arrive from Pahala, 21 miles away, and Keaau, 23 miles distant, the statement said.

Both Pahoa and Pahala companies dispatched tankers because there are no hydrants in the area.

The fire gutted the retail and office area, but the restaurant, changing rooms, golf cart and a large retail storage area were saved.

Loss to the building was estimated at $315,000 with the value of property saved estimated at $872,725.

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.