Maui firefighters are fighting a brushfire near the runway of Kahalui Airport.

The fire started about 10:20 a.m. on the airport side of Stable Road, a Maui Fire Department spokesman said.

Several fire companies, including state and county crews, are at the scene, trying to contain the blaze.

Dan Meisenzahl, of the state Department of Transportation, said the fire was not affecting airport operations. He said the fire is next to runway 523, which is hardly used, except by small aircraft.

Firefighters estimate the fire at 15 to 20 acres in size, but heavy smoke is making it difficult to confirm the size.