A Monday evening fire severely damaged a Hawaiian Paradise Park house left vacant by the death of the homeowner earlier this year and described by fire officials as “a haven for squatters.”
According to a written Fire Department statement, 11 units responded to the 8:32 p.m. alarm with the first units arriving at the 15th Avenue property four minutes later. Arrving firefighters found the large home burning on two levels. Water was supplied by a tanker since there are no hydrants in the area. Electricity to the house had been disconnected.
The fire was reported under control at 9:40 p.m. and extinguished at 11:15 p.m.
There were no injuries.
The estimated loss to the building and contents was placed at $431,400 with property value saved at $107,850.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation.