Firefighters start to get handle on brushfire near Fredericksburg

Fire crews continue to battle a large grass fire that erupted Saturday afternoon north of Fredericksburg in Gillespie County.

The Crabapple Fire is now 40% contained as of 5:33 a.m. Sunday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The blaze started around 1 p.m. near 8700 Lower Crabapple Road and has spread eastward across Highway 16 North.

High winds and dry conditions created prime wildfire conditions in the area, though officials report wind has subsided in the Texas Hill Country. Embers had been flying up to half a mile, igniting additional fires.

“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. “Our team will continue work throughout the night, including monitoring FM 1631 to make sure the fire doesn’t progress.”

Engine crews continue to provide structure protection while firefighters work to build containment lines, according to the Forest Service’s Sunday morning update.

Authorities report two road closures: State Highway 16 North from the Fredericksburg City Limits to Eckert Road, and Lower Crabapple from Eckert Road into Fredericksburg.

Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones has issued a declaration of disaster, allowing officials to evacuate, close roads, and control access as needed.

As a precautionary measure, Central Texas Electric has cut power to the fire-affected area.

Officials established a shelter for displaced residents at Faith Baptist Church at 3022 N State Highway 16.

The fire has grown to approximately 8,640 acres, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Firefighters have completed fireline on the left flank from Highway 16 to County Road 1631. No injuries have been reported.