A large grass fire, which started yesterday near Fredericksburg, Texas, continues to burn today, having already spread to over 8,600 acres. The Fredericksburg fire today, known as the Crabapple Fire, has led to the evacuation of dozens of homes and the closure of key roads as firefighters from across the region work tirelessly to gain control of the situation. This article provides the latest updates on the ongoing blaze.
Key Takeaways:
- A significant grass fire, the Crabapple Fire, is burning north of Fredericksburg today, March 16, 2025.
- The fire started around 1 p.m. on Saturday and has grown to over 8,640 acres with containment efforts underway.
- Dozens of homes have been evacuated, and shelters have been set up for displaced residents.
- State Highway 16 North and Lower Crabapple Road remain closed in the affected area.
- Fire departments from across Gillespie County and beyond, along with state agencies, are battling the blaze with air support.
- As of early Sunday morning, the fire was reported to be 40% contained.
The Fredericksburg Fire: A Timeline of Events
The Fredericksburg fire today began at approximately 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, near the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple. Initially reported as a 400-acre fire [Source: CBS Austin], the blaze rapidly expanded due to dry conditions and high winds associated with a Red Flag Warning in the region [Source: Dallas News].
Massive Spread and Evacuations
By Saturday night, the fire had tragically grown to an estimated 8,640 acres with zero percent containment reported initially [Source: TPR]. This rapid spread necessitated the evacuation of dozens of homes in the affected neighborhoods. Law enforcement agencies are actively assisting with these evacuations to ensure the safety of residents [Source: TPR].
Road Closures and Shelter Information
Due to the ongoing Fredericksburg fire today, several key roadways remain closed to facilitate firefighting efforts and ensure public safety. State Highway 16 North is closed from the Fredericksburg city limits to Eckert Road, and Lower Crabapple Road is closed from Eckert Road into Fredericksburg [Source: TPR]. For those who have been displaced by the fire, a shelter has been established by the Red Cross at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 426 W. Main St. in Fredericksburg [Source: TPR]. Initially, Faith Baptist Church was also listed as a shelter [Source: CBS Austin].
Regional Effort to Combat the Blaze
The Fredericksburg Texas Fire Department is leading the charge in battling the Fredericksburg fire today, with significant support from at least six volunteer fire departments across Gillespie County. This regional effort is crucial in tackling the massive blaze. Additionally, the Texas Department of Emergency Management and the Texas A&M Forest Service are providing vital air support to assist ground crews [Source: TPR].
Community Support and Hope
Despite the severity of the Fredericksburg fire today, there is a sense of community resilience. Local residents have been dropping off essential supplies like bottled water and snacks for the firefighters working tirelessly on the front lines. While the situation remains serious, officials, including Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell, expressed hope late Saturday as the wind in the area had subsided [Source: KSAT]. Furthermore, an updated report early Sunday morning indicated that the fire was 40% contained [Source: KSAT].
Ongoing Situation and Precautions
As of today, Sunday, March 16, 2025, the Fredericksburg fire continues to be an active situation. Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones has issued a declaration of disaster, granting officials the authority to take necessary actions such as evacuations and road closures. Central Texas Electric has also proactively cut power to the affected area as a safety measure. Authorities are urging the public to continue avoiding the area to allow firefighters and emergency responders to work effectively [Source: TPR].
Updates on the Fredericksburg fire today will continue to be provided as the situation evolves. The efforts of the firefighters and the resilience of the community are commendable during this challenging time.
