Crabapple wildfire near Fredericksburg increases to 9,500 acres, still only 40% contained

FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — Fire officials in Gillespie County, along with the Texas A&M Forest Service, are continuing to battle a massive 8,640-acre fire near Fredericksburg, Texas, according to authorities. It is now about 40% contained.

Texas A&M Forest Service is working in unified command with local departments to battle the blaze. The current affected area stretches from Lower Crabapple to Farm-to-Market Road 1631.

On Saturday, heavy equipment, engines, and aircraft were used to protect structures and establishing a containment line. Suppression efforts will continue on Sunday. 

“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.”

Texas A&M Forest Service says crews have established a containment line from 16 North to FM 1631. The plan for Sunday is to establish a containment line from 16 North to Lower Crabapple Road on the left flank as well as on the south side of the fire.

Residents in areas directly in the fire’s path have been urged to evacuate. There is a Red Cross shelter in Fredericksburg at Zion Lutheran Church at 426 W. Main St. They are serving seven people at last check.

Officials say there are no air quality concerns at this time but crews are monitoring the weather, because increasing wind speeds become a concern throughout the day.

An assessment of the extent of damage will be made starting Sunday. The exact number and type of structures damaged or destroyed is unknown at this time. 

Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities have been reported at this time.

If you would like to give to the relief effort, please email crabapplefire@fbgtx.org.

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Around 1 p.m., departments from across Gillespie County responded to the grass fire located in the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple. Officials say the fire moved east across Highway 16 North due to high winds and prime conditions for wildfires in the area. 

Law enforcement is asking anyone between Highway 16 North and FM 1631 and between Ranch Road 1323 and Ranch Road 2721 should be prepared to evacuate.

Smoke is visible in and around that area and further, according to officials.

Officials say to avoid the area as crews work to contain the fire. Texas A&M Forest Service has reported that it is 400 acres in size.

“At this point, there is no containment,” Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said. “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.”

As of 3 p.m., Fredericksburg Fire and EMS said there are evacuations orders in place and crews on the ground are evacuating people as needed. If anyone has been displaced, a shelter has been made available at Faith Baptist Church located at 3022 North State Highway 16 in Fredericksburg.

By 4:20 p.m., the fire had jumped across State Highway 16 and was on its way toward FM 1631. Officials have urged anyone in the area to evacuate immediately.

As of 6:10 p.m. on Saturday, the massive fire was 0% contained.

The Fredericksburg Police Department has asked the public to refrain from calling dispatch asking for updates on the growing blaze.

Anyone who would like to help first responders by donating water or electrolyte drinks can do so at the Fredericksburg Fire Department at 126 West Main Street.

This is a developing situation and KENS 5 will continue to update this article as we learn more.