UPDATE | Crabapple Wildfire now 55% contained as ground, air crews make ‘good progress’
The Texas A&M Forest Service has raised the affected area to 9500 acres, with the fire now 55% contained.
Governor Abbott has announced that FEMA has approved federal reimbursement for 75% of the cost of fighting the blaze. We’ll update you as the situation develops.
RELATED | Abbott announces FEMA assistance approved to help fight Crabapple wildfire
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FREDRICKSBURG, Texas – Fire Departments from across Gillespie County are actively working to contain a large grass fire North of Fredericksburg.
The fire started around 1 p.m. on Saturday near the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple, 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. It quickly grew from 400 acres to 8,640 acres.
As of the last update from the Texas A&M Forest Service, the fire is now 40% contained. The current affected area stretches from Lower Crabapple to Farm-to-Market Road 1631.
“Crews worked throughout the night battling active fires and flare ups,” Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said. “They have held the progress of the fire at FM 1631. This morning, TDEM and Texas A&M Forest Service aircraft are supporting efforts on the ground as we continue to work on containment and protect structures.”
No injuries have been reported, but reports are numerous structures have been lost and more are still threatened.
According to officials, there are no air quality concerns at this time. Crews are monitoring the weather, because increasing wind speeds become a concern throughout the day. Officials do not have an estimation on the people evacuated or displaced at this time.
Dozens of homes have been evacuated, and the Red Cross and volunteers have shown up at some of the shelters set up for those affected. Currently, State Highway 16 North is closed from Fredericksburg city limits to Eckert Road. Lower Crabapple Road is also closed from Eckert Road into Fredericksburg.
Sean Doerre, the public information officer for the city of Fredericksburg says several law enforcement agencies are helping with evacuations as flames rage closer to homes in several neighborhoods.
The Fredericksburg Texas fire department is leading efforts but at least six volunteer fire departments in Gillespie County are helping. “Really just a regional effort along with the Texas Department of Emergency Management and the Texas A&M forest service providing air support.”
We spoke to a man who doesn’t want his name mentioned but has lived in the city of Fredericksburg his entire life and says he’s seen several large fires in the area before, the last one in 2022. “Oh yeah, all the surrounding volunteer fire departments always come.”
Support from surrounding fire departments and counties, according to the man, put him at ease and he doesn’t fear the city of Fredericksburg, or his home will be affected. “No, no, it’ll never make it to town. They’ll get it out way before then.”
Sean Doerre confirms right now there is no fear those flames will get closer to the city of Fredericksburg.
While we were at the fire station, we saw units and firefighters from Llano, Blanco, and Kerrville.
There were several community members dropping off pallets of bottled water and snacks for the firefighters working to contain the blaze.
Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones has issued a declaration of disaster and asks everyone to avoid the area.
If anyone has been displaced, a shelter is through the Red Cross at Zion Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg at 426 W. Main St. They are serving seven people at last check.
Currently, food, water and other supply donations are not needed. If the public would like to give to the relief effort, please email [email protected].
