Kauai fire officials were investigating the cause of a fast-moving brush fire that destroyed two homes and damaged three others Wednesday in Koloa.

Firefighters returned to Weliweli Tract on Thursday and assessed total losses at $950,000.

A single-family dwelling and a cottage on Kipuka Street were engulfed by the fire.

Three other homes and a shed on that street also were damaged, as was a vinyl fence near Ala Kinoiki Road, said county spokeswoman Sarah Blane. No injuries were reported.

The blaze began at 2 p.m. Wednesday near Ala Kinoiki Road. Strong winds caused the fire to spread quickly, scorching 50 acres of brush.

About 50 firefighters, including 20 who were off duty, responded, officials said. The fire was under control at 5:30 p.m. and extinguished by 6:20 p.m.

The American Red Cross is providing temporary shelter for a multigenerational family of eight — five adults, ages 25 to 66, and three children, ages 3, 5, and 7.

Blane said numerous brush fires have occurred in Koloa in the past. A fire in October 2007 near the Hyatt Resort and Spa burned more than 100 acres.

The last brush fire in Koloa, in October, scorched 20 acres.

"This is an area with heavy vegetation that can get dry during the warm season," Blane said.

The Fire Prevention Bureau provided the following tips to residents to protect their home: 

» Keep your lawn green.

» Clear the roof, gutters and eaves of leaves and debris.

» Leave at least 30 feet of space between your home and any overhanging trees or bushes.

"Awareness is especially critical during the dry, hot season when fires are more likely to occur," said Capt. Daryl Date of the Fire Prevention Bureau.