Boggy Creek Fire: Crews work to contain almost 230-acre grass fire in Caldwell County

CALDWELL COUNTY, Texas - Officials say an 18-wheeler caught fire, causing a large grass fire on State Highway 130 Friday. 

The fire is burning in Caldwell County near the intersection of Boggy Creek, south of Lockhart.

Yet another wildfire is forcing people to evacuate their homes. Thankfully, fire officials said no structures were taken down by the flames, but about 228.6 acres of land is still burning, as of 12:31 p.m. on August 12. So far, the fire is 65 percent contained.

Phot courtesy: Texas A&M Forest Service

While nearby residents could go to cooling shelters at Lockhart Junior High and the First Baptist Connection Center, some stayed back to watch.

One woman watched from afar as fire crews washed out the flames on her dad’s land.

"It’s been a very tense day not knowing what was going to happen watching the direction of the wind and just praying," said Meredith.

Fire officials believe the fire started because of an 18-wheeler fire. 

"These fires a lot of the time are preventable, and we need to be really cognizant and aware of anything that could create a spark in these red flag conditions and this critically dry fuel. It wouldn’t take much right now to cause something like this which pulls in a lot of resources, said Walter Flocke, the public information office for the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Central Texas is in the thick of an intense wildfire season. 

The Caldwell County Office of Emergency Management says SH 130 southbound is blocked off near mile marker 476. Traffic is diverting to Exit 471 at SH 142. Drivers are advised to stay away from the area.

Officials have asked drivers to refrain from using Borchert Loop as a cut through. It’s creating too much congestion for a residential road.

To check on the wildfire situation in your area, click here.