Fredericksburg Fire

A significant wildfire, known as the Crabapple Fire, ignited on Saturday, March 15, 2025, near Fredericksburg in Gillespie County, Texas. The blaze began around 1:45 p.m. in the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple Road and has rapidly expanded, now affecting approximately 8,640 acres. As of Sunday morning, the fire remains 40% contained.

The Crabapple Fire has prompted evacuations and road closures in the surrounding areas. Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones declared a disaster, enabling authorities to implement necessary safety measures. Fire crews are working diligently to halt the fire's progress, especially along FM 1631, with support from suppression aircraft.

Strong winds and dry conditions have contributed to the fire's rapid spread. Smoke from the blaze has been reported as far east as Austin, prompting air quality advisories. Residents in affected regions are advised to stay informed through local news outlets and official channels for updates on evacuation orders and road closures.

Firefighters continue to battle the blaze, facing challenges from gusty winds and dry conditions. The Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments are actively engaged in containment efforts, working to protect structures and prevent further spread.

For real-time updates and detailed information on wildfire activity, resources like the Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer and the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map fire.airnow.gov can be valuable tools.