A fire destroyed a home in Pearl City at about 2:20 a.m. yesterday but the elderly resident and her dog escaped safely, according to Honolulu Fire Capt. Terry Seelig.

About 20 firefighters responded to the blaze on Ho'omoana Street near Makamua Street, Seelig said. The fire was reported under control at 2:40 a.m. Seelig said a woman in her 80s lived in the house.

"A smoke alarm did activate," he said. "Neighbors heard it. By the time they came to check, the woman and her dog were safe."

Initial reports estimated the damage at $400,000 to the structure and another $50,000 to contents.

Seelig said the fire appeared to have started near a bathroom. An investigation into the cause of the blaze will resume today, he said.