Firefighters Continue to Battle South Texas Wildfires

Firefighters Have Rio Grande Valley Wildfire 50 Percent Contained

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Firefighters Continue to Battle South Texas Wildfires

Katie Galan

Story Created: Mar 19, 2008 at 9:49 AM CST

Story Updated: Mar 19, 2008 at 9:49 AM CST

SAN MANUEL, Texas (AP) - Firefighters continue to battle wildfires in South Texas.

Texas Forest Service spokeswoman Sandra Taylor says the flames have scorched about 50,000 acres so far in Hidalgo County. A separate fire in Jim Hogg County has burned 10,000 acres.

Authorities are blaming a fallen power line for igniting the blaze yesterday. They say as many as 500 people have been evacuated and at least four homes have been destroyed.

No injuries have been reported. Hidalgo County Fire Chief Shawn Snider says crews have the Hidalgo County fire about 50 percent contained today. But county emergency management coordinator Tony Pena says helicopters and air tankers are joining the fight for the first time today.

Meanwhile, Hidalgo County officials have reopened a nearly 40-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 281. The route was closed yesterday as firefighters tried to contain the blaze.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-03-19-08 0824EDT

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