A wildfire raging in Gillespie County, Texas, has burned over 8600 acres and is currently 40% contained. The Texas A&M Forest Service reports progress in containing the blaze, but urges continued caution. Evacuations are in place for residents in certain areas.
The Texas A&M Forest Service reported significant progress overnight in containing a wildfire that has ravaged over 8600 acres in Gillespie County . As of Sunday morning, the agency stated that the fire has burned approximately 8640 acres and is currently 40% contained, a marked improvement from the 0% containment reported the previous night. The fireline on the left flank has been successfully secured from Highway 16 to CR 1631, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
However, the agency continues to urge the public to refrain from flying drones over the fire area.The grass fire ignited around 1 p.m. Saturday in the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple Road, as reported by Fredericksburg Fire and EMS. Forestry service officials confirmed that aerial suppression aircraft were deployed to assist ground crews in battling the blaze. The agency also issued an urgent plea for residents situated between Highway 16 North and FM 1631 and between Ranch Road 1323 and Ranch Road 2721 to prepare for potential evacuation. Fredericksburg Fire is directing evacuees to a shelter at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 426 West Main St. in Fredericksburg.Initially, Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell stated, 'At this point, there is no containment. Our goal is to stop the forward progress with air suppression from TDEM and the Texas A&M Forest Service. Our crews are also working behind the fire to make sure embers do not cause more fires. Currently, embers are flying up to half a mile and causing more fires in the area. Our resources are working to protect structures.' The Gillespie County Sheriff's Office reported Saturday night that the fire's spread had slowed due to decreased wind speeds. Deputies warned that Highway 16 North towards Llano County and Highway 16 South from Llano County would remain closed until midnight. The agency also indicated that some areas north of Fredericksburg city limits and south of Eckert Road would experience power outages until at least Sunday morning, as power crews were expected to inspect lines for repairs. Around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Austin Fire reported receiving multiple calls from 911 operators regarding smoke sightings across Austin, which they believe originated from the Crabapple fire. Fredericksburg Fire stated around 4:30 p.m. Saturday that the fire remained 0% contained and had crossed Highway 16 North towards FM 1631. The agency urged anyone in that path to evacuate immediately. The extent of any injuries or structural damage caused by the fire remains unclear at this time
Wildfire Texas Gillespie County Evacuation Containment Texas A&M Forest Service
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