UPDATE, 2:20 p.m.

Helicopters resumed aerial operations to battle the brush fire in Waianae after the drone operator was found and ordered to ground his aircraft, said Honolulu Fire spokesman Capt. Jeffrey Roache.

12:24 p.m.

Three helicopters battling a brush fire in Waianae were forced to suspend aerial operations because of a drone in the area, according to Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Capt. Jeffrey Roache.

All aerial operations are grounded until the drone is on the ground, Roache said.

The fire department’s Air 1 and Air 3 helicopters as well as a third helicopter from the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife were deployed to the area to conduct water drops on a 15-acre brush fire that broke out on land off Waianae Valley Road early today.

Roache said ground crews are continuing to battle the fire in an attempt to prevent it from advancing toward the top of the ridge.

9:36 a.m.

Two Honolulu Fire helicopters are conducting water drops on a large brush fire that has charred approximately 15 acres of land off Waianae Valley Road.

Honolulu Fire spokesman Capt. Jeffrey Roache said crews from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife and federal firefighters are assisting in an effort to stop flames from advancing up the ridge.

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More than 40 firefighters are battling a large brush fire that has scorched approximately 15 acres of land near Waianae Valley Road early today.

Seventeen units responded to the blaze just after 1:40 a.m. Thick smoke could be seen from miles away from residents as well as motorists on Farrington Highway.

Honolulu Fire spokesman Capt. Jeffrey Roache said police evacuated about 15 area residents due to large smoke and high winds that fanned flames toward their homes.

The fire quickly spread from five acres to 15 acres until ground crews stopped it from reaching homes. The evacuation order was lifted shortly after.

“At this time, the wind is kind of helping us and slowed its advance,” said Roache, who is currently at the scene. “At this point, houses are safe. Residents are safe.”

No injuries were reported.

HFD’s Air 3 helicopter is conducting water drops on the brush fire. Roache said Air 1 is expected to be deployed to the area.

Federal firefighters are also assisting.