Officials from the Texas A&M Forest Service and Fredericksburg Fire EMS have announced that the Crabapple Fire, which has burned close to 10,000 acres in Gillespie County, is now fully contained. The blaze, starting as a grass fire near Fredericksburg on March 15, rapidly spread due to high winds and could be witnessed as far away as Austin. This final update comes a week after the fire's sudden escalation, as reported by FOX 7 Austin.
Despite successfully containing the fire, the fight was not without sacrifice. One firefighter was injured in the process and required hospitalization but has been released since, according to information from News 4 San Antonio. The fire claimed nine homes, damaged an dditional two, and destroyed over 20 outbuildings, redefining the landscape and bringing loss to families and communities.
Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell articulated the combined effort required to tackle the fire, stating, "The coordinated efforts of our crews, regional partners, state agencies and federal resources led us to this point," in a statement obtained by News 4 San Antonio. However, he also expressed ongoing concern for the residents affected by the fire: "Although this fire may be contained, our hearts continue to go out to the people that lost homes, property and livestock."
The containment of the Crabapple Fire does not eliminate the underlying threat posed by the prolonged drought conditions plaguing the region. Gillespie County is still under a burn ban, and officials are stressing the importance for residents to remain vigilant and avoid activities that could potentially spark another disaster. "Our area is still in extreme drought conditions, so we ask everyone to please be vigilant of anything that may start another fire," Bizzell urged in a follow-up comment to FOX 7 Austin.
The Texas Hill Country's present state remains one of critical fire danger, as underscored by local fire response teams. The enduring dryness serves as a stark reminder for continual caution among the community seeking to rebuild and protect their land and lives from future fire threats.
