Crabapple wildfire grows to 9,500 acres near Fredericksburg, 55% contained
GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas - The Texas A&M Forest Service said crews made progress overnight containing a wildfire in Gillespie County that has burned around 9,500 acres.
What we know:
A Sunday morning update from the agency said the fire was around 8640 acres in size and 40% contained.
The agency later updated around 3:10 p.m. March 16 that the fire is now around 9,500 acres in size, but that the increase in acreage is due to more accurate mapping, not new growth.
As of 6:30 p.m., the fire is now 55% contained and a containment line has been established around the majority of the fire, says the forest service, and crews are working to finish wrapping the perimeter.
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Officials said Saturday night that the fire was 0% contained.
Fredericksburg Fire EMS says as of Sunday morning that no injuries have been reported so far, but that numerous structures have reportedly been lost and more are still threatened.
The Texas A&M Forest Service says the fireline on the left flank is finished from Highway 16 to CR 1631.
They are urging people not to fly drones over the area of the fire.
Fredericksburg Fire and EMS said the grass fire started around 1 p.m. Saturday in the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple Road.
Forestry service officials said suppression aircraft were coming to assist crews on the ground.
The Crabapple Fire on March 15, 2025. Officials said Saturday afternoon that the fire is 0% contained.
Evacuations
The agency is urging people between Highway 16 North and FM 1631 and between Ranch Road 1323 and Ranch Road 2721 to be prepared to evacuate.
Fredericksburg Fire is directing evacuees to a shelter at Zion Lutheran Church at 426 West Main St. in Fredericksburg. Officials did not have an estimate of how many people had evacuated or been displaced as of Sunday morning.
Anyone who has already evacuated should not return at this time, says Fredericksburg Fire.
What they're saying:
"At this point, there is no containment," Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said Saturday night. "Our goal is to stop the forward progress with air suppression 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 half of mile and causing more fires in the area. Our resources are working to protect structures."
Road closures and power outages
Saturday night, the Gillespie County Sheriff's Office said the spread of the fire had slowed because wind speed had slowed.
Deputies warned Highway 16 North towards Llano County and Highway 16 South from Llano County would remain closed until midnight.
The agency said some areas north of the Fredericksburg city limits and south of Eckert Road would be without electricity until at least Sunday. Power crews are expected to check lines for needed repairs Sunday morning.
Around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Austin Fire said 911 operators had received multiple calls about smoke across Austin that they believe is being blown in from the Crabapple fire.
Fredericksburg Fire said around 4:30 p.m. Saturday that the fire was still 0% contained and had moved across Highway 16 North towards FM 1631. The agency said anyone in that path should evacuate.
What you can do:
Fredericksburg Fire said Sunday morning that food, water and other supply donations are not currently needed. Officials at the scene add they are thankful for what they have received.
Instead, those wanting to help are asked to donate to the Crabapple Fire Relief Fund, which will help provide "emergency aid, essential supplies, and long-term recovery assistance to help families rebuild their homes, restore their land, and restart their businesses," according to the fund's website.
Big picture view:
The Crabapple Fire is currently the second-biggest active wildfire in Texas as of Sunday morning, says the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The Wildmill Fire in Roberts County in the Panhandle is currently the biggest, with 23,147 acres burned and 95% containment.
The Rest Area Fire in Gray County, east of Amarillo, was the third-biggest with 7,931 acres, but, as of around 7 p.m. March 16, has been fully contained.
The Source: Information on the size and containment of the wildfire comes from the Texas A&M Forest Service. Information on a possible shelter comes from Fredericksburg Fire and EMS.