WAIALUA, Hawaii -- The brush fire that has burned for three days in the Waialua area has now scorched more than 5,000 acres, according to Honolulu Fire Department officials.

The fire stretches for miles from the northwest section near Schofield Barracks to the back of Waialua High School.

Strong winds have made the fire increasingly difficult for firefighters to get the upper hand on the blaze, officials said.

The fire has climbed up the Waianae Mountain range near Mount Kaala. HFD officials were concerned that the winds would blow the fire over the mountains and down into Makaha.

A blanket of smoke blew down from the mountains and covered parts of Oahu's Leeward coast.

HFD has focused on saving homes and farms in the area. Four to five helicopters have taken an aerial attack at the fire.