Evacuations underway as crews battle 8,640-acre wildfire near Fredericksburg

AUSTIN, Texas — Fire crews in Gillespie County along with the Texas A&M Forest Service are battling a massive 8,640-acre wildfire north of Fredericksburg that sparked on Saturday afternoon.

According to Gillespie County officials, the fire – named the Crabapple fire – started in the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple Road at around 1 p.m.

All Gillespie County fire departments are responding to the fire. Around 2 p.m., the forest service said it was sending air support to assist ground crews.

By 4:20 p.m. the fire had jumped across N. State Highway 16 and was headed toward FM 1631.

As of 6:10 p.m. Saturday, the fire is 0% contained.

Anyone located in the areas between State Highway 16 North and FM 1631 and between Ranch Road 1323 and Ranch Road 2721 has been advised to evacuate. If anyone has been displaced, a shelter is available at Faith Baptist Church at 3022 N. State Highway 16 in Fredericksburg.

“At this point, there is no containment,” Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said Saturday afternoon. “Our goal is to stop the forward progress with air support from TDEM and the Texas A&M Forest Service. Our crews are also working behind the fire to make sure embers do not cause more fires. Currently embers are flying up to a half of mile and causing more fires in the area. Our resources are working to protect structures.”

The Fredericksburg Police Department has asked the public to refrain from calling dispatch to ask for updates about the fire.

Anyone who would like to donate to help first responders can drop water or electrolyte drinks at the Fredericksburg Fire Department at 126 W. Main St.