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The Crabapple Fire north of Fredericksburg was 90% contained by Wednesday morning. It has burned 9,858 acres since this weekend.
The cause of the fire is still undetermined.
Fredericksburg Fire EMS reported on Facebook on Wednesday that the blaze — which the Texas A&M Forest Service titled the Crabapple Fire — originated on the roadside near Crabapple Road, about 11 miles north of Fredericksburg, around 1 p.m. on Saturday.
"The reported origin of the fire just emphasizes the need of everyone to be overly cautious during these dry conditions," said Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell, as quoted in a statement. "The smallest spark can cause massive problems."
The Gillespie County Sheriff's office said a damage assessment revealed nine total residences and 20 other structures were destroyed in the fire. Several others were damaged.
Fire crews from across the region are fighting a large grass fire north of Fredericksburg that has spread to 9,700 acres. The blaze near Lower Crabapple Road started around 1:45 p.m. Saturday Fredericksburg Fire EMS reported on Mon the fire was at least 65% contained. www.tpr.org/environment/...
— Texas Public Radio (@texaspublicradio.bsky.social) March 17, 2025 at 2:51 PM
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Leo Tynan has a home near Enchanted Rock Road and saw portions of the fire as it spread: "The wind was probably carrying embers a good distance out ahead of it. You could see literally explosions along the horizon when it would hit into dense cedar areas where the trees would just explode."
One firefighter was injured Sunday while working the fire.
A Red Flag Warning remained in effect Wednesday until 9 p.m.
Gillespie County has partnered with the OneStar Foundation to create the Crabapple Fire Relief Fund to help with the recovery effort.
On Sunday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the state's request for Fire Management Assistance Grants for the Crabapple Fire. The approval makes Texas eligible for 75% reimbursement from the federal government for costs associated with fighting the wildfire.
Gov. Greg Abbott said the state worked to provide all necessary resources to local officials.
The North Texas Rest Area Fire — which burned nearly 8,000 acres and is 100% contained — was also included in grant assistance.
The National Weather Service reminded everyone to avoid any activities that could spark a wildfire, including outdoor burning, parking vehicles on dry grass or disposing of cigarettes improperly.
