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 9,737 acres and 65 percent contained. The current affected area stretches from Lower Crabapple to Farm-to-Market Road 1631.
“Crews worked the edges of the fire and any flare ups during the night,” Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said. “The southeast corner of the affected area is our focus today with the forecasted wind. Many trees are still burning throughout the area and dropping embers into unburned areas, which with today’s conditions could ignite more fire.”
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday with south winds expected 10-20 mph, gusts up to 35 mph and low humidity between 10-20 percent.
Late on Sunday, one Fredericksburg firefighter was injured, while working the fire. A tree limb fell and caused injury. The firefighter was taken to the hospital and treated and has since been released.
As of 7:30 a.m. on Monday, March 17, all roads have reopened to any necessary travel.
As crews continue to work, everyone is asked to avoid the area unless it is necessary. People traveling through the area should listen to crews on the ground about access. People that have evacuated there home should not return yet.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, damage assessments are underway.
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.
The recent Crabapple Fire has impacted local ranchers and livestock owners in Gillespie County. To aid recovery, a livestock supply point at Gillespie County Fairgrounds (530 Fair Dr, Fredericksburg, TX) is collecting hay, feed, and fencing supplies for affected cattle, sheep, and goats. Open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., donations can also be facilitated by Behrends Feed & Fertilizer, Lochte Feed and General Store, and Allied Ag Services Inc. For questions, please call at (830) 988-6173.
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-