A family of six was left homeless yesterday when fire heavily damaged their Ma'ili home.

The fire at 87-908 Ho'okele Place was reported at 2:38 p.m. Firefighters found flames and thick smoke coming from the back and side of the single-story home, said 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 at home when the fire broke out all escaped without injury, he said.

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