Damage to three apartments from an early morning fire yesterday in Makiki is estimated at $250,000, a fire department spokesman said last night.

The cause of the fire at 1190 Wilder Ave. remains under investigation, said fire Capt. Earle Kealoha.

The fire began in unit 201 and also damaged the apartments 301 and 302. Damage to the apartments and contents was estimated at $200,000. Water and other damage from firefighting efforts was estimated at $50,000, Kealoha said.

 The fire was reported at 2:15 a.m. yesterday and units were on scene five minutes later, Kealoha said.  However, some residents of the building, across the street from the fire station, said it seemed like it took 12 to 15 minutes for firefighters to arrive.

The apartment was fully engulfed in flames by the time firefighters got on scene.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control at 2:29 a.m. and it was extinguished shortly after 3 a.m. One person was treated for smoke inhalation.