HONOLULU -- A spreading brush fire prompted authorities to evacuate hundreds of people from portions of Waikoloa Village on the Big Island Tuesday.

Areas above Paniolo Drive were evacuated while areas toward Queen Kaahumanu Highway were considered safe, including the school and golf course.

The blaze ignited late Monday afternoon.

Fire crews have been working around the clock to contain the fire, but officials said it's far from over.

So far, the brushfire has charred more than 25,000 acres of land. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has declared the site a disaster area.

All of the Hawaii County's fire resources are in use. About 50 firefighters and three helicopters are battling the fire.

The fire moved toward Waikoloa Village and got so close to the shopping center they closed it down.

"Right now, evacuation has been ordered for two-thirds of the subdivision, the area above Paniolo Drive in Waikoloa. We have designated the school and golf course safe areas within the village to be evacuated," Hawaii Mayor Harry Kim said.

At about noon Tuesday the fire jumped a fire break and threatened homes along the mauka side of Paniolo Drive.

Fire officials said heavy winds and no rain are making it very difficult to extinguish the fire.