Arson is suspected in an early-morning Big Island fire yesterday that damaged Pahala Plantation Store in the Ka'u district.

Damage was estimated at $10,000.

Firefighters responded to the 4:21 a.m. alarm at 96-3207 Maile St. and found flames and smoke coming out of the front entrance of the single-story, wooden structure. A small space in back of the store is used by the Ka'u Credit Union.

The fire was reported under control at 4:35 a.m.