Two wildfires have grown substantially in Makaha and Waianae valley, consuming 8,800 acres in Leeward Oahu, Honolulu firefighters said today.

The Honolulu Fire Department said significant progress has been made, but couldn’t say how much of it was contained late Monday afternoon.

“Multiple homes were threatened by flare ups throughout the day,” said fire Capt. Scot Seguirant. “The most intense areas that were hard fought were the area behind Leihoku elementary in Waianae and the Mauna’olu subdivision in Makaha valley.”

Earlier today, HFD said the brush fire in Makaha valley had burned about 3,000 acres and was 30 percent contained, while the Waianae valley blaze had scorched about 2,000 acres and damaged five farm-type structures and was 40 percent contained.

Leihoku and Makaha elementary schools were closed today because of the wildfires.

Besides Honolulu firefighters, HFD said that the Federal Fire Department, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Army National Guard also are helping to battle the fires. The Guard contributed two Black Hawk helicopters to the fight.