A family of six was left homeless today after a fire heavily damaged their Ma'ili home.

The fire at 87-908 Ho'okele Place was reported at 2:38 p.m. The first-arriving firefighters discovered flames and thick smoke coming from the back and side of the single-story home, said Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Capt. Terry Seelig.

The blaze was brought under control at 2:52 and extinguished a short time later, Seelig said. Three children were at home when the fire broke out and all escaped without injury, he said.

Damage was estimated at $225,000 to the building and its contents and the cause remained under investigation, Seelig said. The American Red Cross was called to assist the family.