Maui firefighters battled an 80-acre brush fire this afternoon in Maalaea. No structures were threatened and no injuries were reported as of 6 p.m.

The Maui Fire Department got the call at 1:59 p.m.

When firefighters arrived at 2:11 p.m., 10 acres of brush was on fire and moving quickly upslope, the Fire Department said in a news release.

The fire started on the mauka side of Honoapiilani Highway, a quarter mile south of Maalaea Harbor, and was burning toward Kaheawa wind farm.

The Fire Department used two helicopters to make water drops since ground crews could not reach the area because of the steep mountainous terrain.

As of 6 p.m., the fire had not yet been contained, but the fire has slowed in its spread.

Crews are prepared to protect structures should the fire turn toward homes.

Honoapiilani Highway was closed briefly Thursday afternoon between Maalaea Harbor and mile post 11 on the Lahaina side of the tunnel, fire officials said.