Big Island firefighters responded to a brush fire in Kau.

The fire occurred shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday at Ninole Loop below Colony One at Sea Mountain Condominiums. Fourteen firefighters battled the fire that scorched approximately 1 1/2 acres of tall grass, brush and trees on vacant land.

Strong north, northeast winds contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze, according to the Hawaii County Fire Department.

Firefighters brought the fire under control at 9:45 a.m. and extinguished it at 3 p.m. Wednesday night, two firefighters monitored the site for any hot spots and fire breaks.

The cause of the brush fire is unknown at this time.