Fredericksburg, Texas – The Fredericksburg Fire/EMS Department in conjunction with crews from across the region, state and nation are managing the Crabapple Fire.
The Texas A&M Forest Service has raised the level of containment to 90 percent. The affected area has remained unchanged at an estimated 9,858 acres.
After investigation by the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office, the origin of the Crabapple Fire was a roadside start near the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple Road. The cause is undetermined.
“The reported origin of the fire just emphasizes the need of everyone to be overly cautious during these dry conditions,” Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said. “The smallest spark can cause massive problems.”
Winds are forecasted to decrease tonight, and humidity levels will increase. However, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday with northwest winds 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 40 and relative humidity as low as seven percent.
“Winds were high throughout today, but any flare ups that occurred were able to be addressed by our crews,” Bizzell added. “After surveying the area from the air earlier today, I am even more proud of the work our crews did to protect as many structures as possible and stop the spread of this fire. We got a lot of great people doing a lot of great things. The community support is much appreciated.”
Currently, food, water and other supply donations for firefighters 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 Fire Relief Fund. At this time, this is the best way to help. This is the only approved online donation portal. Donations can be made here: https://onestarfoundation.org/crabapple-fire-relief-fund/.
Landowners and ranchers that have been affected and those that want to help them should reach out to (830) 988-6173 to learn more about efforts to help the agriculture community.
On Wednesday, Texas Division of Emergency Management officials expect American Red Cross personnel to be in the area to access damages.
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.
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.
As of 4 p.m. on Monday, the Red Cross shelter in Fredericksburg at Zion Lutheran Church at 426 W. Main St. has closed. They served seven people and are keeping the ability to reopen if necessary.
On Monday at 8:45 p.m., damage assessments from the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Division of Emergency Management were released…
- 9 total residences destroyed
- 7 possibly occupied & 2 confirmed unoccupied
- 2 residences damaged
- 20 outbuildings destroyed
- 4 outbuildings damaged
On Monday night, officials gave the go ahead for people that had evacuated to return as conditions allow.
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.
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