Crabapple wildfire grows to 8640 acres near Fredericksburg, 40% contained
Crabapple Wildfire now 40% contained
Crews made progress battling the Crabapple Wildfire near Fredricksburg overnight. The fire is now 40% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas - The Texas A&M Forest Service said crews made progress overnight containing a wildfire in Gillespie County that has burned more than 8600 acres.
What we know:
A Sunday morning update from the agency said the fire is around 8640 acres in size and is currently 40% contained.
It was 0% contained during the previous update on Saturday night.
Texas A&M Forest Service says the fireline on the left flank is finished from Highway 16 to CR 1631.
Fredericksburg Fire and EMS said the grass fire started around 1 p.m. Saturday in the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple Road.
Forestry service officials said suppression aircraft were coming to assist crews on the ground.
The Crabapple Fire on March 15, 2025. Officials said Saturday afternoon that the fire is 0% contained.
Evacuations
The agency is urging people between Highway 16 North and FM 1631 and between Ranch Road 1323 and Ranch Road 2721 to be prepared to evacuate.
Fredericksburg Fire is directing evacuees to a shelter at Zion Lutheran Church at 426 West Main St. in Fredericksburg.
What they're saying:
"At this point, there is no containment," Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said. "Our goal is to stop the forward progress with air suppression 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 half of mile and causing more fires in the area. Our resources are working to protect structures."
Road closures and power outages
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Crabapple fire burns 8600 acres with 0% containment
A wildfire in Gillespie County is at 0% containment as thousands of acres burn near Fredericksburg.
Saturday night, the Gillespie County Sheriff's Office said the spread of the fire had slowed because wind speed has slowed.
Deputies warned Highway 16 North towards Llano County and Highway 16 South from Llano County would remain closed until midnight.
The agency said some areas north of the Fredericksburg city limits and south of Eckert Road would be without electricity until at least Sunday. Power crews are expected to check lines for needed repairs Sunday morning.
Around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Austin Fire said 911 operators had received multiple calls about smoke across Austin that they believe is being blown in from the Crabapple fire.
Fredericksburg Fire said around 4:30 p.m. Saturday that the fire was still 0% contained and had moved across Highway 16 North towards FM 1631. The agency said anyone in that path should evacuate.
What we don't know:
It is unclear if there are any injuries or structure damage as a result of the fire at this time.
The Source: Information on the size and containment of the wildfire comes from the Texas A&M Forest Service. Information on a possible shelter comes from Fredericksburg Fire and EMS.