A wildland fire rapidly swept through the brush on the Makaha side of Wai'anae Boat Harbor shortly before noon, causing several homeless people living in the brush to scramble to escape the flames.

Witnesses reported four boys running from the scene shortly after the fire began.

No one was injured, although property was destroyed, authorities said.

The Fire Department said soon after 1 p.m. that the fire was contained between Wai'anae High School and Wai'anae Boat Harbor. About 12 to 14 acres were burned.

Police are on the scene, along with 39 firefighters, one battalion chief, 6 engines, 2 tankers and one brush truck.

Several of the homeless people said about four families were living in the brush at the time of the fire.

The flames led residents to rush from the area, although some people ran back in to save animals, including several dogs, some with puppies, and a noisy, 3-year-old pot-bellied pig named Oinky.

The high winds fed fast-moving flames that spread rapidly through the homeless tents in the kiawe trees. Numerous explosions could also be heard as the flames burned as high as the tops of the trees.

The fire broke out in the brush between the boat harbor and Waianae High School.

Brenda Cruz, who was living in the brush, said she lost everything.

"I lost everything, all my clothes, everything," she said as she was leaving the scene. But "so long as everyone is safe..."

Margaret Lessary, who lives nearby, said she saw four boys running from the scene of the fire. They looked like they were 11 to 14 years of age. She followed them and asked them whether they started the fire, and they said they did not.

Firefighters fought the blaze from two fronts, and said the fire was contained about 12:45 p.m., but is still smoldering.

HPD Lt. Frank Pugliese said, "Our main concern was that some of the homeless were trying to go back in and save their animals."

HPD Sgt. James Nobriga said, "We're trying to assess the situation. We've contacted the Red Cross to come in and help those who may want it."