A stubborn, five-acre brushfire that temporarily closed Honoapi'ilani Highway from Mä'alaea to Ukumehame was brought under control on Maui yesterday afternoon.

The fire was reported at 11:26 a.m. and brought under control about three hours later at 2:36 p.m.

The fire burned an estimated five acres near Honoapi'ilani Highway near mile marker 6 mauka of the Mä'alaea Harbor. "We're lucky that wind gusts were only at 20-25 mph considering that this area is known for high winds," said Battalion Chief Val Martin. "We didn't waste any time getting resources here so that we could get a handle on it as quickly as possible."

Hawaiian TelCom's fiber was damaged in the fire and the company dispatched repair crews. Telephone landlines and some cell phone services were affected. Phone service to West Maui was restored by 4:45 p.m.

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.