A malfunctioning circuit breaker started a two-alarm Wailupe house fire today that caused $270,000 in damage, Honolulu firefighters said.

About 35 firefighters responded to 5044 Kalanianaole Highway at about 10:35 a.m. and found flames emanating from the basement of the single-story structure, said Honolulu Fire Capt. Kevin Mokulehua.

Firefighters used foam to smother the flames and brought the fire under control at 10:54 a.m. It was extinguished at 12:25 p.m.

No one was home at the time and no one was hurt.

A fire investigator determined the fire began in a crawlspace under the home and was triggered by a malfunctioning circuit breaker in the electrical panel, igniting the structural framing of the home.