Five separate brush fires burned an estimated 1,500 acres along Piilani Highway in Kahikinui, near Kaupo, Maui, today.

The fires were reported about 5:40 p.m. in the area of mile post 25 in southeast Maui.

According to fire officials, most of the fire was inaccessible for fire trucks so a helicopter conducted water drops on the fire until operations were suspended due to darkness.

Fire and police personnel evacuated homes in the Kahikinui Homesteads area downwind of the fire.

The American Red Cross set up a shelter at the Keokea Community Center to house the evacuated residents.

As 7:30 p.m. on Monday, the fire was spread out over a two-mile area on the mauka and makai sides of the highway.

Piilani Highway has been closed to all traffic between mile post 24 and 27.5.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.