Maui firefighters tonight continue to battle a wind-whipped, brush fire above Kaunakakai on Molokaçi that has grown to 2,500 acres.

The fire was reported at 12:30 p.m. and rapidly spread west toward the surrounding mountains and away from Kaunakakai, said acting Maui Fire battalion chief Alan Duarte.
While the blaze is moving away from Kaunakakai, firefighters worry that shifting winds could direct it toward the town, Duarte said.

The fire is not contained and the cause remains under investigation. No buildings are threatened, Duarte said.
One firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.
Some 50 firefighters, civilian employees and three helicopters have been fighting the fire.