Grass fire burns near Fredericksburg

On Monday, the Gillespie County Communications Center reported a “large, grass fire” which has burned roughly 45 acres near Fredericksburg. The Texas A&M Forest Service said the fire, named the Orchard Fire, has caused several street closures. Ranch Road 1631 is closed near Klaerner Road and the Palo Alto Creek. RR 1631 is closed about three miles outside of Fredericksburg.

As of Monday afternoon, multiple fire departments were on the scene. Fredericksburg Fire and EMS, Gillespie County Rural Departments, and the Texas A&M Forest Service are responding. Fredericksburg Fire and EMS said structures are being threatened by the fire.

The Texas A&M Forest Service said it has responded to 80 wildfires that have burned 8,521 acres over the past seven days. Forty-one of those wildfires have occurred since Friday. Gillespie County officials are asking citizens to call (830) 997-5603 if they see any smoke sightings. According to meteorologist Cary Burgess, nine out of ten wildfires in the state of Texas are “human caused.”

Burgess reminds individuals to always be cognizant of their daily activities. If there is a burn ban in place, do not do any outside burning. Always remember that undercarriages of cars are extremely hot. Try not to park or drive over dead grass. Anything that can cause a spark, can potentially start a fire.