Fire Crews Combat Massive Blaze Near Fredericksburg, Texas

Firefighters in Gillespie County, alongside the Texas A&M Forest Service, are engaged in extinguishing a significant wildfire spanning 8,640 acres, which erupted north of Fredericksburg on Saturday afternoon. Officials from Gillespie County reported that the blaze, dubbed the Crabapple fire, ignited around 1 p.m. on the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple Road. All local fire departments in Gillespie County have been mobilized for this effort.

By 2 p.m., the forest service had deployed aerial support to aid the ground teams. By 4:20 p.m., the fire had surged across N. State Highway 16, advancing towards FM 1631. As of 6:10 p.m. on Saturday, containment efforts had yet to begin, with 0% of the fire under control. Residents situated between State Highway 16 North and FM 1631, as well as those between Ranch Road 1323 and Ranch Road 2721, have been advised to evacuate immediately. A shelter for evacuees is open at Faith Baptist Church, located at 3022 N. State Highway 16 in Fredericksburg.