A child playing with a lighter caused the fire in an 'Aiea townhouse Friday that left eight people homeless, Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Earle Kealoha said today.

Kealoha said the fire started in a second-floor bedroom.

Fire department officials said a mother and child escaped the fire, but the unit, which was home to four adults and four children, was deemed unlivable.

Firefighters estimated damage at $135,000.

The alarm was reported at 10:24 a.m. at a townhouse complex at 98-949 Ka'onohi St.

The American Red Cross Hawai'i State Chapter met with the residents to ensure that they have housing, clothing and food.

A maintenance man at the complex was treated by firefighters and paramedics after he and a fellow maintenance man tried to battle the fire with garden hoses. Police closed Ka'onohi Street until about noon.