Crabapple Fire: Leading fire near Fredericksburg contained 65%, say officials, say officials

Fredericksburg, Texas – – A running fire in Gillespie County is now included 65% from Monday morning.

The Crabapple fire has burned almost 10,000 acres since its spread on Saturday afternoon.

Latest updates

What we know:

The Texas A & M Forest Service announced in an update from 10:30 a.m. on March 17 that the fire is now 65%.

The area of ​​the fire rose from 9,500 on Sunday to 9,737, since a more precise mapping is more precise. According to the city of Fredericksburg, the currently affected area extends from the lower Krabbenstraße to FM 1631.

The Forest Service says that the crews will continue to switch through the area and work on the widening and improvement of the containment lines.

According to the city, damage ratings are underway.

What you say:

“The crews worked on the edges of the fire and all flare -ups at night,” said Lynn Bizzell, fire chief of Fredericksburg. “The south -eastern corner of the affected area is today with the forecast wind. Many trees still burn in the region and drop embers into unburned areas that could ignite more fire under today's conditions.”

Red flag warning, disaster declaration

Grab deeper:

A red flag warning applies on Monday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with Südwinde 15 to 25 miles per hour, gusts of up to 35 miles per hour and low humidity between 10 and 20 percent and only 9 percent.

The National Weather Service says that gusty south winds and dry air lead to critical fire weather conditions and west of the I-35 and I-37 corridors.

The Texans are asked to burn outdoors, keep vehicles from dry grass and to properly design cigarettes.

Read more: Texas forest fires: Fema approves the state aid grants for fires in Gray, Gillespie Counties

Gillespie County has also derived a disaster declaration and an order in which the burning outdoors restricts.

The order also states that all “hot work” outdoors, such as: B. welding or cutting with a flashlight should be avoided if possible, and all necessary work can only be carried out if sufficient water or another adequate fire uppressant is immediately available.

Violation of the order is punished as a class C's offense with a fine of up to 500 US dollars or a fine of up to $ 1,000 and up to six months in prison, depending on what is increasing.

The background story:

The fire started as a grass fire around 1 p.m. on March 15, only 11 miles north of Fredericksburg between the Lower Crabapple Road and the Landrum Creek.

Since then, the fire has been pulled over the Highway 16 North due to strong winds and main conditions for forest fires in the region to the east.

On Sunday morning, Fredericksburg said Fire Ems that no injuries have so far been reported, but reports that numerous structures have been lost and even more threatened.

Evacuations and road closures

What we know:

The city says that from 7:30 a.m. all roads are open again on necessary trips. However, since the crews are still working, the residents are asked to avoid the area if this is not necessary.

People who travel are recommended to listen to crews on site about access.

The people between the Highway 16 North and FM 1631 and between the Ranch Road 1323 and the Ranch Road 2721 were asked to be prepared for evacuation by civil servants.

The Red Cross runs an animal shelter in the Zion Lutheran Church in the 426 West Main St. in Fredericksburg. The shelter serves five people at the last check, says the city. Officials add that they have no estimate about how many people have currently been evacuated or expelled.

Anyone who is already evacuated should not return at this time, says Fredericksburg Fire.

How can I help the relief effort?

What you can do:

According to Fredericksburg Fire, no donations for food, water and other supply donations are currently required. Officials at the crime scene said Fox 7 Austin on Sunday evening that they are grateful for what they received.

Instead, those who want to help are asked to donate to the Crabapple Fire Relief Fund, which will help to provide emergency aid, essential supplies and long -term recovery aid to help the families rebuild their houses, restore their country and restart their business, “said the fund's website.

The fire has also influenced local cattle breeders and cattle owners in Gillespie County. In order to support the recovery, an animal supply point collects hay, feed and fan supplies for affected cattle, sheep and goats on the Gillespie County Fairgrounds.

Donations will also be opened every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donors are also opened by Behrends Feed & Dünger, Lochte Feed and General Store and Allied AG Services Inc., everyone with questions, can call 830-988-6173.

WildfiresFredericksburggillespie County