The Crabapple Fire near Fredericksburg has grown to over 9,500 acres, prompting evacuations. Houston firefighters are assisting efforts as crews work to contain the blaze.
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As of Sunday, the Texas A&M Forest Service says the Crabapple Fire near Fredericksburg has grown to more than 9,500 acres and just under 40% of it is controlled. As firefighters fight the fast-moving fire, crews from across Texas have been sent to help limit it.
The fire started on March 15 in the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple Road, which is just north of downtown Fredericksburg. Strong winds quickly made the fire worse. The fire started on Highway 16 and quickly spread eastward, telling people living between Highway 16 and FM 1631 and Ranch Roads 1323 and 2721 to leave their homes.
Lynn Bizzell, Fredericksburg's fire chief, stressed the importance of control: "At this point, there is no containment." With help from the Texas Department of Emergency Management and the Texas A&M Forest Service, we want to stop any progress.
As a result, Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones declared a disaster, which meant that roads could be closed and people could be evacuated. The north end of State Highway 16 is closed from Fredericksburg to Eckert Road and Lower Crabapple Road.
First responders from the Houston area have joined the fight against the fires across the state, and people who have been forced to leave their homes are finding refuge at Zion Lutheran Church (426 W Main Street, Fredericksburg).
Officials say that the fire may affect the air quality outside of the fire zone, in places like Austin and those nearby. People are asked to keep an eye on things and donate to the Crabapple Fire Relief Fund to help those who have been harmed.
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