Firefighters - along with the help of the Texas Forest Service - continued to battle a large fire on Monday near Columbus, Texas.

The Texas Forest Service (TFS) reported that the blaze had already burned through 1,450 acres, and was 50 percent contained as of the last report on Monday morning.

The fire began around 3 p.m. on Saturday July 4, and quickly spread due to high winds and dry ground conditions.

Several fire departments from Colorado County teamed up to battle the blaze throughout the day on Sunday, and the TFS provided extra support with helicopters carrying water and bulldozers clearing brush.

Approximately 40 homes were evacuated, but the TFS said the only losses so far were two outbuildings.

Officials said they hope to have the fire mostly contained by Monday evening, but are worried that forecasted high winds throughout the week may rekindle some of the embers.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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Below are some pictures from a KBTX viewer who has relatives that live near the fire area.