HOUSTON -- A forest fire in Colorado County has burned nearly 2,000 acres and destroyed one home, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

The Texas Forest Service said the fire broke out along Interstate 10 at Mentz Road near Columbus, Texas, on Saturday.

The fire had been contained, but flared back up on Sunday. Officials said winds and dry conditions helped the fire spread.

Texas Forest Service spokeswoman Mary Leathers said about 1,700 acres have been burned.

Texas Forest Service helicopters have been bombarding hot spots with water drops, 1,000 pounds at a time.

"Eighty percent is contained easily, maybe more. This would be the west flank of the fire. The biggest problem right now is the northeast corner, and the Forest Service is over there working that hard right now," said Chief Bob Walla with the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department.

The fire does not threaten major population centers, but it is a problem for rural residents hemmed in by the big pines in that part of Colorado county.

Flames spread via the tree tops around Kenny Frank's house.

"It was going around us a little bit and looked like it was going to go around, then blew up right here to the south of us. It started roaring like a thunderstorm coming and we had to take off," Frank said.

The only home lost so far belongs to Case Holub and his family. The weekend house was destroyed by a fire so hot, it melted the refrigerator.

"You do your best. It's a very empty feeling, but nobody was hurt. That's the good thing," Holub said.

Firefighters from across the region are battling the flames from the ground and from the air. Officials expect it to take days to tap out all the hot spots still smoldering since each has to be snuffed out one at a time.

Officials have not said how the fire started. Colorado County is currently under a burn ban.