Strong winds whipped up a Hawaii Kai brush fire today that was brought under control Saturday after burning close to homes.

Honolulu Fire Capt. David Jenkins said 24 firefighters returned to the scene on the slopes of Koko Crater at about 10 a.m. today and worked on hot spots for the rest of the day. Firefighters hiked up the hillside to attack the fire and made water drops with a helicopter.

He said today’s flare ups were related to the windy weather.

Jenkins said firefighters would reassess the situation at dusk and determine whether a fire watch was needed overnight.

The fire initially started at about 12:30 p.m. Saturday near Sandy Beach on the mauka side of Kalanianaole Highway, impeding traffic in the Koko Villas neighborhood and forcing the evacuation of two dozen animals from Koko Head Equestrian Center. About 60 firefighters brought the 60-acre blaze under control by 3:46 p.m. Saturday, and firefighters stayed overnight to monitor the area, Jenkins said.

The cause was not determined.