The Texas A&M Forest Service provided an update just before midnight March 16 on the status of the Crabapple wildfire that started north of Fredericksburg yesterday.
At that time, they reported that 8,640 acres had burned and containment was still at 0%.
From their report, conventional tactics were proving ineffective due to the high winds and low humidity.
“Heavy equipment was brought in to build containment lines, while aircraft dropped water and retardant in an attempt to slow the spread,” the report stated. “At nightfall, the winds subsided, giving crews a chance to make progress on containment. Work will continue through the night to take advantage of the diminished fire activity.” The report went on to disclose that aircraft will return this morning to continue dropping water and retardant and to get a better view of the fire.
A San Antonio news report indicated that a firefighter was injured when he was struck by a falling branch.
As of 7:30 a.m. March 17, roads were re-opened for travel. Motorists were asked to avoid the area, however, due to a Red Flag Warning.
On Monday, south winds were reported up to 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 35 miles per hour.
The Wimberley View contributed to this report.
