Fredericksburg, TX: Crabapple Fire Expands to Over 8,600 Acres Near Fredericksburg; Evacuations Ordered

March 15, 2025, 11:30 PM

A rapidly growing wildfire known as the Crabapple Fire has expanded to approximately 8,640 acres near Fredericksburg, Texas, prompting mandatory evacuations and extensive emergency response. As of late Saturday night, the fire remains uncontained, according to officials from the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Fire Origin and Rapid Growth

The wildfire broke out around 1:00 PM on Saturday in the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple Road, northeast of Fredericksburg. Initially reported at roughly 400 acres, the fire grew quickly due to extremely dry vegetation and intense winds, conditions authorities had anticipated under a previously issued Red Flag Warning.

By early evening, the blaze had dramatically intensified, spreading across Highway 16 and moving toward Farm-to-Market Road 1631. As of 6:12 PM, authorities confirmed the fire’s size at 8,640 acres with zero percent containment.

Evacuation Orders and Shelters

Gillespie County emergency officials swiftly ordered evacuations for residents living between Highway 16 North and FM 1631, and between Ranch Roads 1323 and 2721. Authorities urged residents in these areas to evacuate immediately, as fire behavior remained unpredictable.

Emergency shelters were quickly established at Zion Lutheran Church and Faith Baptist Church in Fredericksburg. Law enforcement assisted residents during the evacuation process, advising locals to remain alert to changing conditions overnight.

Firefighting Efforts

The Texas A&M Forest Service first received a request for assistance from local firefighters around 1:30 PM, recognizing early on that conventional firefighting tactics were ineffective against the extreme conditions.

Throughout the afternoon, local fire departments from Gillespie and Kendall counties, alongside the Texas Division of Emergency Management, joined forces. Ground crews primarily focused on protecting structures and ensuring residents’ safety, while aerial resources dropped water and fire retardant to help slow the fire’s progression.

Heavy equipment was brought in to carve containment lines, and as winds calmed during the night, firefighters began making incremental progress. Crews planned to remain on-site overnight, utilizing calmer conditions to build containment lines. Aircraft are scheduled to resume operations at dawn, providing aerial views to better assess damage and fire behavior.

Challenging Conditions

Saturday’s intense fire conditions were forecasted by the National Weather Service, which had issued a Red Flag Warning for Gillespie County and much of Central Texas, anticipating strong winds with gusts up to 45 mph and dangerously low humidity. Such conditions facilitated rapid and erratic fire spread, with embers igniting spot fires more than half a mile away, further complicating firefighting efforts.

Regional Impacts

Smoke from the Crabapple Fire extended significantly beyond Gillespie County, drifting approximately 80 miles eastward toward the Austin metro area. The Austin Fire Department confirmed receiving multiple calls from residents concerned by heavy smoke and haze, tracing it back to the wildfire near Fredericksburg.

Health advisories were issued, recommending residents—particularly those with respiratory conditions—limit outdoor activities and monitor air-quality alerts.

Community Support and Response

Fredericksburg residents quickly rallied to support evacuees and emergency responders. Volunteers and local organizations provided meals, shelter, and essential supplies to displaced families, while community donations of water and electrolyte beverages flowed to firefighters working on the front lines.

This swift community response highlighted both preparedness and solidarity during times of crisis, emphasizing Fredericksburg’s resilience in the face of the wildfire’s threat.

Current Road Closures

• Highway 16 North: Closed from Fredericksburg city limits to Eckert Road
• Lower Crabapple Road: Closed from Eckert Road into Fredericksburg

Damages and Injuries

As of Saturday night, authorities had not yet confirmed the number of homes or structures damaged. There have been no reports of injuries related to the fire.

Damage assessments are expected to begin Sunday morning, pending safer conditions for evaluation. Officials continue to stress that residents should stay informed through official channels and be ready to act quickly as the situation develops.