Wildfires continue to spread across the Texas Hill Country, with the Crabapple Fire near Fredericksburg scorching approximately 9,700 acres as firefighters work to contain the flames. As of Monday, containment had reached 65%, but officials warn that the fire remains a serious threat due to ongoing high winds and dry conditions. Road closures on State Highway 16 North at Knopp School Road, Eckert Road, and Lower Crabapple Road from Eckert Road into Fredericksburg have been reopened.
The fire began northeast of Fredericksburg, stretching from Lower Crabapple Road to FM 1631 in Gillespie County. Firefighters have been battling the blaze for days, facing unpredictable winds ranging from 15 to 25 miles per hour, which have complicated containment efforts. A red flag warning remains in effect, signaling continued critical fire weather conditions. Fire crews from across the region have been deployed to assist in firefighting efforts. Collectively, these agencies have deployed approximately 750 responders and 300 pieces of equipment to address the fire.
Evacuation orders are still in place for affected areas, and the Red Cross has set up a shelter at Zion Lutheran Church to assist displaced residents. Local authorities have urged people to remain cautious, as conditions could shift rapidly. One firefighter sustained injuries from a falling tree limb but has since been treated and released. Damage assessments are ongoing, with particular concern for ranchers and homeowners in the fire’s path.
First responders have established a fire containment line stretching from Texas 16 North to FM 1631. Another fire line will be created from Texas 16 North to Lower Crabapple Road on the left and south side of the fire, officials reported on Sunday morning.
Kiley Moran, a spokesman for the Texas A&M Forest Service, reassured the public, saying, "At this time, this is not a raging wildfire. We're in the process of building a containment line and moving toward the mop-up phase, where we'll focus on addressing hot spots." Moran added, "The fire is no longer advancing eastward. It’s been stopped at Highway 1631, and firefighters are now working to complete the remaining containment lines."
While no injuries have been reported, officials estimated that approximately 50 structures were threatened by the blaze last night. Crews began damage assessments this morning, though it is still unclear how many people have been displaced by the fire.
The Gillespie County Sheriff's Office has allowed some residents to return briefly to check on their homes. Officials have stated it will likely take several more days before the Crabapple Fire is fully contained.
As of today, the Cottonwood Creek Fire in San Saba County has been fully contained. The wildfire, which ignited on March 12, consumed approximately 633 acres before containment was achieved. The blaze originated in a pecan orchard due to equipment use—a skid steer-mounted saw cutting trees. Firefighters from multiple agencies collaborated to control the fire, employing bulldozers and aerial resources. No structures were threatened, and there have been no reports of injuries.
Wildfires are not limited to the Hill Country. The Texas A&M Forest Service reports that six significant fires are burning across the state, from areas near the Oklahoma border down to the Rio Grande Valley. The state has declared a Level 3 preparedness for fire incidents, meaning emergency managers are actively monitoring and responding to multiple fires.
To prevent further outbreaks, officials are urging residents to avoid any activities that could spark a fire. More than 130 counties have issued burn bans as a precaution. Firefighters remain on high alert, bracing for continued challenges as they work to control the fires and protect communities in the days ahead.
