AUSTIN (KXAN) — A wildfire in Gillespie County that prompted evacuations Saturday grew to more than 8,600 acres by the evening, according to an update from the Texas A&M Forest Service.
As of 6:12 p.m. Saturday, the wildfire, named the Crabapple Fire, was 0% contained.
MAP: Where have wildfires burned in Central Texas in 2025?
Fredericksburg officials said in a media release the fire started near 8700 Lower Crabapple Road, which is north of downtown Fredericksburg. It then moved east across Highway 16 North due to high winds and prime wildfire conditions.
“Anyone in the path should evacuate immediately,” Fredericksburg Fire EMS said in a Facebook post.
Officials added, “anyone between Highway 16 North and FM 1631 and between Ranch Road 1323 and Ranch Road 2721 should be prepared to evacuate.”
As of 7:06 p.m., Fredericksburg Fire EMS was directing evacuees to shelter at Zion Lutheran Church at 426 W. Main St. in Fredericksburg. Law enforcement will be in the area to help.
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View of the Crabapple Fire burning in Gillespie County on March 15, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Josh Hinkle)
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View of the Crabapple Fire burning in Gillespie County on March 15, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Josh Hinkle)
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View of the Crabapple Fire burning in Gillespie County on March 15, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Josh Hinkle)
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View of the Crabapple Fire burning in Gillespie County on March 15, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Josh Hinkle)
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The Texas A&M Forest Service reported a wildfire burning Saturday in Gillespie County near Fredericksburg. (Fredericksburg Fire & EMS Photo)
“At this point, there is no containment,” Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said in a statement Saturday evening. “Our goal is to stop the forward progress with air support 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 a half of mile and causing more fires in the area. Our resources are working to protect structures.”
The Fredericksburg Fire/EMS Facebook page will be updated as information becomes available.
The Austin Fire Department said dispatchers have received calls about smoke in the Austin area, and they are attributing it to the wildfire.
This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN for updates.
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