HONOLULU -- Waialua residents began to breathe easier Tuesday night, as Honolulu firefighters gained control over a brush fire.

Honolulu police said the department opened an arson investigation after empty cans of flammable liquid were found near the fire and a witness said a van was seen near the fire, driving away just as the fire began to flare up.

The fire started just before noon Tuesday and burned roughly 100 acres throughout the day.

Fire spokesperson Capt. Terry Seelig said the fire started near the intersection of Kaukonahua Road and Thomson Corner.

Seelig said the bulk of the fire burned along Kaupe Road, mauka of Farrington Highway.

Residents said the brushfire spread rapidly, whipping through the Waialua Valley.

Firefighters said strong winds and dry conditions fueled the flames in different directions.

“All you could see was the black smoke and the red flames hovering all the trees, it just looked really scary,” said Waialua resident Kristina Santiago.

Residents said the valley is mostly agricultural land with ranches, farms, and some homes.

As the fire raged for hours, Waialua residents, Tom and Cindy Shell, watched in horror as the flames drew near their brand new home.

“The flames were unbelievably high, my friends are here helping us finish our house and we had all the hoses running that we possibly could, and we fought it back and the fire fighters assured us the road would keep it out of our property,” said Cindy Shell.

While more than 70 firefighters fought the brush fire on several fronts, residents also did their part to fight back flames.

The fire burned along 78-year- old David Santiago's property.

“I was really scared. I looked up and said Lord please help,” said David Santiago.

With a prayer, and the quick actions of family and neighbors, Santiago was able to secure his home and make sure his goats were safe.

"I’m going to sleep good because I see everything is all taken care of and the goats are taken care of. And hopefully things are back to normal,” said Santiago.

Although no homes were damaged, fire officials said at least two sheds were destroyed.

Firefighters plan to return to the fire Wednesday morning, to check on hot spots.