Two Waianae-bound lanes on the H-1 Freeway were closed Saturday while firefighters battled a small brush fire near Pearl Country Club in Aiea.

The half-acre fire started about 10:45 a.m. between the Kaamilo overpass and the golf course. Motorists could see smoke from as far as Waipahu.

Honolulu fire Capt. Rick Karasaki said a couple freeway lanes were closed because of the smoke and to make room for firefighters to work on the blaze.

Firefighters sent a heavy response with four engines, two tankers, and a fire helicopter to stop the flames from spreading to nearby homes, which were never threatened, Karasaki said. A battalion captain at the scene said the blaze was difficult to reach because it was burning in a gulch.

Karasaki said firefighters brought the fire under control in about an hour and were mopping up. A cause has not been determined.

All freeway lanes were opened by 11:45 a.m., police said.