Big Sky Fire: Large wildfire north of Fredericksburg

Public information map of the Big Sky Fire in Gillespie County near Fredericksburg that has burned about 1,400 acres.

A large wildfire is burning north of Fredericksburg in Gillespie County.

The Texas A&M Forest Service says this fire, labeled the Big Sky Fire, is estimated to be 1,459 acres and 60% contained as of Thursday afternoon.

The fire continues to spread due to wind, terrain, and volatile juniper/oak fuel type, says the Forest Service. The cause of the fire has been determined as a mechanical malfunction on a piece of equipment which sparked the fire

Photo of a smoke plume from Big Sky Fire courtesy Hailei Thomas.

Dozers are engaged while engine crews focus on suppression and structure protection.

The fire is producing a lot of smoke, as seen in photos sent in by a FOX 7 viewer.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.