A fast-spreading brushfire on the west end of Moloka'i was reported under control by early yesterday evening after burning nearly 1,000 acres, according to unconfirmed estimates.

The fire did not threaten property, Moloka'i police Lt. Timi Gapero said.

Firefighters from Moloka'i's three stations, three helicopters, private tankers and firefighters brought in from Maui fought the blaze, which started about noon, Gapero said.

"It was really blazing," Gapero said. "It spread rapidly because of the winds."

The brushfire burned an area between Ho'olehua Airport and Kaluako'i on the makai side of Maunaloa Highway, which was closed to traffic from 4 p.m. for three hours.

Firefighters worked hard to prevent the fire from crossing Maunaloa Highway.

The Molokai Times reported that some Kaluako'i residents were without electrical power at 8 p.m. According to the Times, the fire jumped Kaluako'i Road and headed toward Maunaloa about 4 p.m., but firefighters contained the 3-acre fire on that side of the highway to protect the town. As evening approached, rain helped contain the blaze, and firefighters were monitoring hot spots.

"We heard chatter on the radio that it burned 1,000 acres. ... The entire island was fighting it," Gapero said.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.