Fire caused $60,000 in damage to a Makiki Heights house yesterday.

The homeowner, who is in his mid-70s, was taken to a hospital as a precaution for possible heat and smoke exposure.

The Fire Department was called at 5:15 p.m. and firefighters brought it under control at 5:23 p.m.

Fire officials will continue their investigation today into the cause of the fire at 1220 Lilo Place above Roosevelt High School.

Fire Capt. Terry Seelig said the unique older home was designed like a Japanese castle with a ceramic tile roof, and its construction features made it difficult for firefighters to get to the smoldering attic without doing unnecessary damage. The homeowner and a man driving by, who stopped and rushed over to help, tried to douse the flames with a garden hose.

Damage was estimated at $50,000 to the structure and $10,000 to the contents.