A brushfire that burned an estimated 80 acres and destroyed a house was contained shortly before 5:30 a.m. yesterday, Maui County officials said.

The fire was reported at 2:15 p.m. Sunday on the mauka side of Honoapi'ilani Highway in Ma'alaea.

High wind conditions, with gusts around 45 mph, caused the fire to cross to the makai side of the two-lane highway and reach several homes on Ma'alaea Road.

One home was destroyed. A second home was partially burned.

Three homes were occupied at the time, and residents were evacuated. Occupants of two other homes in the small neighborhood were not home at the time.

Firefighters worked to keep the blaze from advancing farther into the neighborhood while battling it on both sides of the highway.

Thirty-five firefighters were dispatched, and two helicopters dropped water.

Water tankers and heavy equipment support were provided by Goodfellow Brothers and the county Department of Public Works.