KLEBERG COUNTY, Texas — Update: According to the Texas Wildfire Incident Response System, as of 9:41 p.m. the fire has been 50% contained.
A large fire on King Ranch property continues to grow Thursday morning.
The "Borrega Fire" has burned 46,000 acres and is 20% contained, according to the Texas Forest Service. That is down from 60,000 acres reported early Thursday morning.
As of this morning there are a total of 42 state and federal personnel assigned, including 3 bulldozers, 16 fire engines and 8 aircraft supporting the incident, including an air attack platform and SEATs, the forest service said. Blackhawk helicopters have been ordered and are en route. Texas A&M Forest Service is working in conjunction with Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS), and local fire departments from the county.
Additional resources have been ordered and are on route including an additional TIFMAS strike team and additional aerial resources.
Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid has given voluntary evacuation orders for the small towns of Ricardo and Riviera.
"Please look out for your neighbors and contact the sheriff's department immediately for anyone you think is in need of assistance," Madrid said in a statement.
Madrid said residents can call the county's human services center at 361-228-1892 if immediate assistance or shelter is needed.
Several area fire crews are out battling the blaze Thursday morning, including the Texas Forestry Task Force and Kingsville, Ricardo and Riviera Fire Departments. The Naval Air Station is also providing support.
State Highway 285 near Highway 77 is closed due to the fire.
Ricardo ISD said they will assist anyone who is affected by this fire.
No classes in the area have been cancelled, according to officials.
Large machinery is being used to try and stop the fire.
The fire is about 4 miles south of Kingsville and began Wednesday afternoon. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
Borrega Fire at King Ranch
This is a developing story. Stay with 3NEWS as we continue to cover this fire.
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