Fire crews continue battling the 9,500-acre Crabapple Fire near Fredericksburg, Texas. Evacuations are underway as officials work to contain the blaze.
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The 9,500-acre Crabapple Fire started Saturday afternoon in Gillespie County. Firefighters from Gillespie County and the Texas A&M Forest Service are fighting it. As of Sunday, 40% of the fire was contained, and workers were still making steady progress, even though buildings were still in danger.
The fire began near the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple Road and quickly spread. By Saturday afternoon, it had crossed North State Highway 16 and moved toward FM 1631. Since then, the fire has been less active, which has allowed workers to strengthen the lines around it along SH 16, FM 1631, and Lower Crabapple Road.
People who live between SH 16 North, FM 1631, Ranch Road 1323, and Ranch Road 2721 are still required to evacuate. Zion Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg has a shelter that people can use. Officials don't know how many people have been forced to leave yet.
Judge Daniel Jones of Gillespie County has declared a disaster emergency, which means that officials can order people to leave their homes and roads to be closed. Because of the fire, SH 16 North and Lower Crabapple Road are still closed.
Governor Greg Abbott said on Sunday that FEMA had approved Fire Management Assistance Grants, which will let the federal government pay for 75% of the costs of fighting fires. Texas has sent out 750 first responders and 300 pieces of equipment to help with the suppression operations.
The Crabapple Fire rescue Fund lets people in the area help with rescue efforts.
