A child playing with a lighter started a fire that displaced a family of three and injured a woman Sunday morning in Nana­kuli, a Hono­lulu Fire Department spokes­man said.

The fire destroyed a single-story wooden home on Mohihi Street and injured a 37-year-old woman as she was rescuing her son inside, said fire Capt. James Todd.

He said the woman awoke to her house already on fire and got out with her 4-year-old son but went back into the burning structure to save her 7-year-old son. Both children escaped without injury.

The woman, who was barefoot, sustained minor burns to her feet and shoulder while rescuing her older child, Todd said. She was treated for her injuries at the scene.

The blaze destroyed the three-bedroom home at 87-1688 Mohihi St. and damaged a vehicle and a house next door, causing $155,000 in damage, Todd said.

About 30 firefighters were dispatched to the two-alarm fire at 10:06 a.m. and found the home already engulfed in flames. They brought the fire under control at 10:29 a.m.

The American Red Cross was called to assist the family.

Todd said the smoke detectors in the house were not working. He recommended residents test smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries once a year, preferably around the holiday season because it is an easy time to remember.

He urged parents to teach their children not to touch lighters and matches, and that when they come across such items, to show a responsible adult who can put them in a safe place.

"We want everybody to have a safe and joyous holiday season," Todd said. "The way to be safe is to check your smoke detectors. If you light candles be sure to put them out, and don’t overload your circuits (with Christmas lights)."