HILO, Hawai'i — A runaway brushfire in South Kohala burned about 1,500 acres yesterday and prompted police to close a portion of Mamalahoa Highway and Saddle Road.

The fire was about three miles north of Waikoloa Road, and was reportedly moving southwest toward the road, civil defense officials said.

The fire, which was on the makai side of the highway, did not endanger any homes, but Big Island Civil Defense officials warned motorists in the area to expect traffic delays, and to be alert for smoke and other fire-related hazards.

Mamalahoa Highway was closed between Waikoloa Road and the Saddle Road junction, and the Saddle Road was closed above Kaumana City in Hilo, civil defense officials said.

County firefighters battled the blaze along with state forestry workers, crews from the Army's Pohakuloa Training Area and volunteers.