GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A Gillespie County wildfire, named the Crabapple fire, prompted evacuations as it reached more than 8,600 acres Saturday night, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS).
The firefighting effort was able to reach 40% containment of the fire by Sunday morning.
“On the left flank, fireline is finished from Highway 16 to CR 1631. Engine crews continue structure protection. Firefighters continue to build line and increasing containment,” said TFS in a 5:30 a.m. update.
This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN for updates.
Displaced residents shelter at church
Evacuations of residents in the fire’s path began Saturday afternoon, according to a Fredericksburg Fire EMS Facebook post. Officials told KXAN that at least 500 people were displaced.
County officials directed displaced residents to the Zion Lutheran Church at 426 West Main Street, Fredericksburg, where the American Red Cross’s Hill Country chapter had an aid station and overnight shelter.
Zion Lutheran Pastor Jonathan Mollenkopf told KXAN Saturday night that he first heard the sirens while working with others in the church’s garden.
“We were outside working in the garden, and we started hearing sirens, and then we got calls and texts,” he said. “It’s been really emotional hearing people trying to get out of the path of the fire. And all the prayers we’re offering were emotional, but happy to help in any way we can.”
How the fire expanded Saturday
The Crabapple Fire began around 1 p.m. Saturday near 8700 Lower Crabapple Road, according to TFS, which initially estimated the fire at 400 acres.
The wildfire grew rapidly, moving east across Highway 16 North before 5 p.m. Saturday, according to a press release. High winds and “prime wildfire conditions” contributed to the fire’s rapid development.
In the 5 p.m. release, Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said firefighters were working to “stop the forward progress” of the fire and prevent the loss of structures.
“At this point, there is no containment,” Bizzell said. “Our crews are also working behind the fire to make sure embers do not cause more fires. Currently embers are flying up to a half of a mile and causing more fires in the area. Our resources are working to protect structures.”
KXAN staff saw ash falling in downtown Austin Saturday afternoon. The Austin Fire Department said its dispatchers received calls about smoke in the Austin area, and attributed it to the wildfire.
The wildfire reached 8,640 acres by 6 p.m., according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones issued a disaster declaration Saturday night.
“Thankfully, the wind has subsided in the Texas Hill Country and our crews are working to stop the forward progress of the Crabapple Fire,” said Bizzell in a 10 p.m. update. “Our team will continue work throughout the night, including monitoring FM1631 to make sure the fire doesn’t progress.”
Texas Department of Emergency Management and Texas A&M Forest Service assisted the ground crews with air support.
KXAN video journalists Aidan Boyd and Jordan Belt contributed to this coverage.
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