Fredericksburg, Texas – The Fredericksburg Fire/EMS Department in conjunction with crews from across the region, state and nation are continuing to work the Crabapple Fire.
As of the last update from the Texas A&M Forest Service, the affected area is estimated at 9,500 acres and 55 percent contained. The current affected area stretches from Lower Crabapple to Farm-to-Market Road 1631.
“Crews have worked throughout today on flare ups and structure protection,” Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said. “Aircraft from the Texas Department of Emergency Management and the Texas A&M Forest has continued to provide air support and water drops on hot spots. We are in a better place than we were this morning.”
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, aircraft and ground crews have made good progress on Sunday. The containment line has been established around the majority of the fire and crews are working to finish wrapping the perimeter. Containment lines were reinforced throughout the day through air support and ground crews.
According to officials, there are no air quality concerns currently. Weather forecasts call for winds to calm around 7 p.m., allowing for more progress to be made.
Officials do not have an estimation on the people evacuated or displaced at this time. The open shelter in Fredericksburg is through the Red Cross at Zion Lutheran Church at 426 W. Main St. They are serving five people at last check.
Currently, there are two known road closures State Highway 16 North from Knopp School Road to Eckert Road as well as Eckert Road from Lower Crabapple Road to 16 North.
As crews continue to work, everyone is asked to avoid the area. People in the area should listen to crews on the ground about evacuations. Anyone who has been evacuated should not return at this time.
Currently, food, water and other supply donations are not needed. To help with recovery efforts from the Crabapple Fire, Gillespie County has partnered with the OneStar Foundation, Rebuild Texas to establish the Crabapple Disaster Fund. At this time, this is the best way to help. Donations can be made here: https://onestarfoundation.org/crabapple-fire-relief-fund/.
FIRE INFORMATION
The fire started around 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, near 8700 Lower Crabapple Road, which is nearly 11 miles north of downtown Fredericksburg and moved east across Highway 16 North due to high winds and prime conditions for wildfires in the area.
The Fredericksburg Fire/EMS Facebook page will be updated as information becomes available.
To learn more about the City of Fredericksburg Fire/EMS, go to FBGTX.org or contact City Hall at (830) 997-7521.
-30-