Nearly 20 agencies assist in fighting 357-acre wildfire in Dripping Springs

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas - About 357 acres burned during the Storm Ranch wildfire in Dripping Springs on Wednesday, says the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Officials say nearly 20 different state agencies assisted in containing the fire or providing other services.

Firefighters and first responders in the area were notified of the wildfire on the Storm Ranch property off Gatlin Creek Rd. in Dripping Springs around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6. North Hays Fire was the first to respond to the scene.

"As of Friday morning, the fire was approximately 90 percent contained," Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Wobus said. "Fire crews will remain on the ranch for the next several days to ensure the flames are completely out."

The fire was able to reach 90% containment following multiple agency collaboration, helicopter bucket drops over the area, and the Texas A&M Forest Service assisting with bulldozers and air resources. 

"We thank each and every first responder who helped with the wildfire," Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said. "Their efforts and hard work made all the difference in containing the blaze."

An evacuation order was issued for around 10 homes in the area, but was lifted by 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night. The Dripping Springs Ranch Park was also closed. 

Wobus says the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith, Pct. 4, expressed his gratitude for the mutual aid assistance from multiple agencies. 

"With the massive support from regional responders, firefighters, were able to prevent further spread and damage from the fire," he said. "Hays County is appreciative of the help from all of the local departments and organizations, as well as those from state agencies." He added, "I’d like to specifically recognize the brave men and women of Hays County ESD 6 (North Hays Fire Department) who first responded to the event and remain there to protect our community,"

Smith thanks the following agencies for their part in fighting this wildfire:

Hays County, Travis County, North Hays Fire Department, Oak Hill Fire Department, Wimberley Fire Department, Austin Fire Department, Buda Fire Department, Pedernales Fire Department, Kyle Fire Department, STAR Flight, South Hays Fire Department, Comal County, San Marcos/Hays County EMS, Canyon Lake Fire Department, Hays County CERT, State of Texas, Hays County Fire Marshal's Office, Texas A&M Forest Service, Blanco County, Texas Divisoin of Emergency Management, Johnson City Fire Department, Blanco County ESD 2 Fire Department, Round Mountain Fire Department