An official yesterday said a Makiki house fire early Thursday that killed two caused some $550,000 in damage to the structure and its contents.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Fire Capt. Terry Seelig said yesterday the fire caused about $500,000 in damage to the home, and $50,000 in damage to its contents.

The fire is the first fatal blaze of the year.

Friends and family identified the two killed in the fire as Larry Fair, 58, and Khristy Ray Sasaki Bartlett, 38.

Both were renters in the multi-level home at 2069 Mauna Place.

Three members of the family that owned the house — H.R.H. Fleur, her daughter and grandson — escaped the fire that began at 12:20 a.m. Thursday. Three other tenants also lived at the home, but were not there when the fire started.