Fire investigators are still trying to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed one home and damaged three others along Seaview Avenue in the university area Sunday morning,

A fire department spokesman said this morning that damage is estimated at $250,000.

The fire was reported at 9:14 a.m. and was under control at 9:33 a.m.,  Honolulu Fire Capt. James Todd said Sunday. 

Honolulu police temporarily closed Metcalf Street in both directions between Hunnewell and Hoonanea streets as firefighters extinguished the blaze.

The fire began in a two-bedroom home where no one was home, Todd said. It then spread to the adjacent, three-bedroom home where three college students were inside, Todd said.

The homes share a common roof and are rented to college students, Todd said.

The first home was destroyed and the fire caused an unspecified amount of damage to the eves of the adjacent home, Todd said.

Two other nearby homes sustained minor damage, Todd said.

Volunteers with the Hawaii chapter of the American Red Cross responded to make sure the occupants’ needs were met for emergency food, shelter and clothing.