FREDERICKSBURG, Texas – Multiple fire departments as well as crews from across the region, state and nation are battling a large grass fire that’s zero percent contained.
The fire started around 1:45 p.m. on Saturday in the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple Road.
The Texas A&M Forest Service now reports the fire has grown to 8,640 acres, up from its original size of 400 acres.
Officials said the fire is moving east to southeast and is located between Lower Crabapple and Farm-to-Market Road 1631.
“Thankfully, the wind has subsided in the Texas Hill Country and our crews are working to stop the forward progress of the Crabapple Fire,” Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said in a press release. “Our team will continue work throughout the night, including monitoring FM1631 to make sure the fire doesn’t progress.”
A spokesperson for the City of Fredericksburg said the following roads are currently closed: State Highway 16 North from Fredericksburg city limits to Eckert Road as well as Lower Crabapple from Eckert Road into Fredericksburg.
In the release, the City of Fredericksburg said Central Texas Electric has cut the power to the fire effected area as a precaution.
Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones has issued a declaration of disaster, allowing officials to evacuate, close roads and control ingress and egress as needed, the city said.
The Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office said the smoke from the fire is visible around the area and possibly even further.
The Fredericksburg Fire EMS said anyone between Highway 16 North and FM 1631 and between Ranch Road 1323 and Ranch Road 2721 should be prepared to be evacuated.
Anyone who has been displaced, a shelter is available at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 426 W Main St. in Fredericksburg.
Kiley Moran, a Texas A&M Forest Service spokesperson, told KSAT that the wind is making it difficult to control the wildfire.
Moran said it is expected to continue to be windy the next few days and advises the public to help avoid potential fire hazards.
“Please don’t do anything that may cause heat or spark so that these wildfires don’t happen,” Moran said. “Because as we’ve seen, they grow very quickly.”
Moran said there are currently no reported injuries.
A spokesperson for the City of Fredericksburg requested everyone to avoid the area.
Kendall County has sent crews from Alamo Springs, Sisterdale, Boerne and the Kendall County Emergency Management Office to fight the flames.
The Boerne Fire Department is also assisting crews at the scene.
This is a developing story. KSAT will update you once more information becomes available.
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