Big Island firefighters extinguished a fire on Friday that destroyed a three-bedroom residence and threatened neighboring homes in Hilo.

Firefighters responding to a 11:41 a.m. call found the front half of the residence, including a carport, engulfed in flames, with flames and smoke also exiting through roof rafters and bedroom windows in the rear of the home.

Fire crews battled the blaze and provided exposure protection to residences of either side of the lot.

The fire was brought under control by 12:07 p.m. and extinguished by 2:03 p.m.

No one was home at the time of the fire although firefighters did rescue a 4-week old puppy from one of the bedrooms.

Damage has estimated at $150,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.