A fire in Kalihi Thursday caused about $681,000 in damages to two Kalihi buildings, a fire official said Friday.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

A two-story home at 1240 Kaauwai Place is a total loss, with damages estimated at $400,000 to the structure and $150,000 to the home’s contents. A multi-unit, two-story building next door suffered about $150,000 to the structure and $1,000 to items in the building.

The 3-alarm fire broke out just after 4 p.m. and left 23 people homeless.

One man, the son of a couple who lived in the two-story home, suffered burns. Another neighbor was treated for smoke inhalation.

Thirteen fire companies and about 55 firefighters responded to the blaze and brought the flames under control by 4:45 p.m.

Ella Maeda, whose house is on Kohou Street, said she heard popping sounds coming from the house.

"The flames were so big. The fire was scary," Maeda said.