A Honolulu Fire Department investigator has determined that a Halawa apartment fire today was caused by a child playing with a lighter, said fire Capt. David Jenkins.

The fire caused an estimated $70,000 in damage to the structure and its contents.

The fire at 99-177 Kohomua St., was reported at 1:11 p.m. The first HFD unit arrived at 1:18 p.m. and found light smoke visible at the three-story apartment complex.

Smoke and flames were coming from the front of a second-floor apartment.

Firefighters used fire-fighting foam to suppress the flames and prevent the spread of the fire.

The fire was contained to the living room and brought under control by 1:22 p.m. It was extinguished by 1:24 p.m.

Two adults and three children were home at the time. They were alerted to the fire by the smell of smoke and managed to escape without injury.

No injuries were reported.

The Fire Department urges parents to secure lighters and matches and to expressly teach children not to play with fire.