Honolulu fire investigators have determined a fire to the garage of a Lanikai home earlier this month was caused by an electrical outlet malfunction that ignited in the garage, fire officials said today.

The fire heavily damaged the garage and destroyed a late model BMW sports car parked there. Smoke from the fire spread to portions of the three-bedroom, adding to an estimated $310,000 in damages caused by the fire that began at 5:25 a.m. Jan. 9.

About 20 firefighters from four companies responded to the fire.

Three people in the home at the time were alerted by a smoke alarm and managed to escape without injury.