Dozens of firefighters last night were battling a large brushfire on a ridge above the Hawai'i Kai Golf Course.

The blaze broke out about 9:40 p.m. near the Ka Iwi shoreline park. Strong winds sent smoke into Kalama Valley, but as of 11 p.m. the fire did not appear to be near any homes.

Fire Battalion Chief Adam Enos said he did not anticipate that any residents would have to be evacuated. "Right now we have it confined to the golf course," he said at 11 p.m. "The wind is a really big factor, blowing embers."

Tall flames could be seen on the ridgeline. Police closed Kalaniana'ole Highway between Kealahou Street and Makapu'u Beach.

Queen's Gate resident Lewis Trusty was returning home from a trip to Kaua'i when he rounded the bend at the blowhole and saw smoke. "I began to panic," he said. "As soon as I got home I grabbed my camera and went looking for the fire."

At 11:15 p.m. the fire was moving toward Makapu'u and away from the homes.

Nine fire companies, some from as far away as Hau'ula, were sent to the fire.

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com and Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.