Fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a Kailua house Thursday night, leaving a family of three without a home.

Eight fire companies with 30 firefighters responded to the 11:48 p.m. alarm at Iliaina Street. Arriving firefighters saw a one-story single-family dwelling with smoke and flames coming from the garage area of the structure. The fire was brought under control at 12:08 a.m. and fully extinguished by 12:58 a.m.

A family of three was home at the time of the fire. They were alerted to the fire and were able to escape without injuries.

Initial estimates placed the damage to the structure and its contents at $500,000.

Arrested deputy is released

A 44-year-old deputy sheriff has been released while police continue to investigate allegations of first-degree sexual assault.

The suspect, a 15-year state Department of Public Safety employee, was arrested near Straub Clinic & Hospital at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday.

The DPS is conducting its own internal investigation.

In another case, charges are pending against Windward patrol officer Jessie Laconsay, a 10-year Honolulu Police Department veteran, who was arrested Wednesday in Mokuleia for allegedly sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

The police officer remains hospitalized.