AUSTIN, Texas — Hot and dry conditions have sparked multiple wildfires across central Texas, with flames erupting from Austin to the Hill Country. The Texas A&M Forest Service attributes the increased wildfire activity to recent short-term drying and warm weather.
Reilly Ruggiero, public information officer for the Texas A&M Forest Service, said, “People still do need to be aware during those times.”
One significant fire ignited near the Gillespie-Blanco County line, expanding to around 70 to 80 acres. Blanco County Emergency Management reported that the fire was 80% contained as of 6 p.m., with no injuries or structural damage.
“Whenever we see those higher percentages such as 80-100 percent containment, it doesn’t mean that the fire is out,” Ruggiero said. “We still can see some smoke or pockets of the interior burning.”
RELATED: Multiple agencies respond to 80-acre brush fire near Gillespie/Blanco County line
In Johnson City, another fire burned 1.5 acres after starting as a structure fire. A third fire occurred in Mustang Ridge. Ruggiero says the warm and dry conditions are to blame.
“We had some short-term drying, along side with warm and dry conditions that did support an overall increase of wildfire activity across the state,” she said.
Both of these fires have been contained. The Texas A&M Forest Service urges residents to remain vigilant and adhere to local burn bans and fire restrictions.
“Please follow local burn ban and fire restrictions. And even if we aren’t in a burn ban, please be safe,” Ruggiero advised.
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Blanco County Emergency Services confirmed that Gillespie fire resources have left the area, and airdrop operations have concluded, though monitoring continues.