GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas — A wildfire outside Fredericksburg is 95% contained on Wednesday night after burning almost 1,200 acres. This is being described as a “hot, dusty, and exhausting day” for crews working to put out hot spots and strengthen containment lines. On Thursday, the focus will shift to a red flag warning that could see winds shift and become more dangerous to Gillespie County residents.
The rocky and steep Hill Country terrain is making it hard for ground crews to battle the Nebo Mountain Wildfire. The challenges pushed Fredericksburg and Gillespie County officials to ask for assistance from the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Air tankers are dropping low and putting a layer of fire retardant across the Hill Country brush fire. The help came as dozers struggled to get access to the fire. One rolled over on Wednesday.
“The Hill Country just naturally has a steeper terrain. Its soil is naturally rocky, and so the dozers have a hard time gripping, which can cause issues like slipping,” said Dayziah Petruska with the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Video taken Tuesday night by state fire crews showed how fast the flames devoured dry grass and brush. Without quick intervention by the Texas A&M Forest Service, Fredericksburg officials say the fire would likely have spread beyond 12-hundred acres.
“These types of fires we would not be able to fight on our own. We are so thankful for the resources they provide in protecting our land and protecting the residents of Gillespie County,” said Sean Doerre with the City of Fredericksburg.
The Gillespie County Judge has issued a disaster declaration authorizing emergency actions such as evacuations and road closures. No homes have been damaged, but the Forest Service says it is preparing for an active fire season.
“From East Texas to the west, they are all over the state right now. Our resources are prepositioned where we think fires are more likely to happen, so we can have a quicker response time,” said Petruska.
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Thursday with wind gusts expected to strengthen to 25 miles per hour. Winds will also shift to the north, further increasing fire danger.
“Once that wind shifts, this fire can turn and go the other direction. There could be sparks and embers that are still burning. That is what our crews are working on late this afternoon. They want to put out those areas that are still smoking, those hot spots, so those embers today do not turn into a new fire tomorrow or spread outside the containment lines,” said Doerre.
There are currently an estimated 100 personnel on the ground, with 60 Texas A&M Forest Service crew members and 40 county personnel. Two outbuildings were reported lost.