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At least 1 home destroyed as 400-acre wildfire burns in Hays County
As of Sunday evening, the Oak Grove fire is 50% contained.
AUSTIN, Texas — At least one home has been destroyed as firefighters in Hays County battle a wildfire that sparked near San Marcos on Saturday afternoon.
According to Hays County officials and the Texas A&M Forest Service, the 400-acre fire, now being called the Oak Grove fire, sparked up around 3:15 p.m. on Aug. 5. The Hays County Wildland Task Force responded, and other crews, including the Austin Fire Department and air assets, assisted in Saturday’s efforts extinguishing the fire.
On Sunday, Hays County officials said five dozers, 15 fire engines, a 20-person hand crew and national guard helicopters will be used for water drops on areas of heavy heat. Planes were seen dipping into Canyon Lake to collect water for the fire.
The Texas A&M Forest Service said as of Sunday afternoon, one residence and “a number of outbuildings” were destroyed in the fire. Officials will continue to assess reports of damages and provide updates.
As of 5:40 p.m. Sunday, the fire is 50% contained.
Twelve homes have been evacuated, while 60 have been threatened. Hays County officials are asking those evacuating to relocate to one of two available shelters: the Promised Land Church on 1650 Lime Kiln Road in San Marcos, or the First Baptist Church of Wimberly at 15951 Winters Mill Pkwy.
PHOTOS: Firefighters battle Oak Grove wildfire in Hays County
Around 2 p.m. Sunday, Hays County said Pedernales Electric Cooperative was on site attempting to restore power for residents affected by the fire.
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the fire, which means no drones are allowed in the fire zone. The Texas A&M Forest Service said there was a drone in the airspace on Saturday night, which can be unsafe for firefighting aircraft.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.