Crabapple Fire Impact: Homes Lost, Thousands of Acres Scorched Near Fredericksburg

The Crabapple Fire near Fredericksburg, Texas, has burned 9,858 acres and is now 90% controlled, according to the Fredericksburg Fire Emergency Medical Services. However, the government is warning about bad weather conditions for fighting fires, which could worsen on Wednesday and make it harder to put out fires.

The fire started as a grass fire near the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple Road on March 15. It didn't happen until around 1:00 in the afternoon. Following that, it has moved eastward across Highway 16 North. The dry weather and strong winds have helped it spread. Investigators from the Gillespie County Sheriff's Office and the Texas A&M Forest Service both agreed that the fire started along the highway. However, the exact cause of the fire has not been found yet.

More barriers keep the fire inside, and crews still clean up flare-ups. When asked about the problems ahead, Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said, "Today, we will again be fighting against windy conditions." Anyone who comes into contact with anything that could start a fire should continue to be very careful.

The most current damage reports from the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas A&M Forest Service are the following: nine homes were burned, seven were occupied, and two were empty. Two houses were damaged while twenty sheds were taken down with damage to four sheds.

One of the firemen was taken to the hospital with some minor injuries, but they have already been sent home.

The One Star Foundation has set up an emergency relief fund for people who want to help those affected by the accident.

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