(AP) -- SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- A large fire in southwest Missouri prompted the evacuation of six homes, including two that were in immediate danger.

The Springfield News-Leader reports 50 acres were still burning Thursday evening in Christian County after the blaze started as a grass fire early in the afternoon.

Sparta Fire Chief Brian Loula said the fire was about 25 percent contained at 5:30 p.m., thanks to the help of fire and police crews from several nearby counties.

Three helicopters from the Missouri Department of Conservation also were dropping water on the flames to keep them from spreading faster.

Loula says relief crews were being brought in because of extreme temperatures plaguing the region.

(Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com)

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