Onion Creek Fire, Daily Update 9:30 am 03-05-2025

Onion Creek Fire Daily Update
March 5, 2025
9:30 am.

Size: 150 acres
Containment: 45%
Start Date: March 4, 2025
Cause: Undetermined; cause is under investigation
 

The Onion Creek Fire started on March 4th in north Hays County and was initially responded to by local fire departments. Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to provide assistance in the form of additional firefighters and heavy equipment at 4:12 pm and quickly responded. Texas A&M Forest Service is currently in unified command with local fire departments and Hays County. Crews continue to construct containment lines around the outside of the fire with bulldozers and protect structures both within the burned areas and in the path of the fire. 

This fire started during a period of extreme fire risk due to high temperatures, low humidity, and extremely high winds. These factors together all led to the possibility for fires to start and rapidly expand in size and become highly resistant to control efforts by fire department. Crews are working through these difficulties to protect the public and the structures around this wildfire. 

Initially, several roads were closed and voluntary evacuations were put into place to move members of the public away from the fire, providing safety for the public and allowing firefighters to better protect their structures. 

Planned Actions:
Dozers will finish improving the fireline construction. Current lines are being monitored and strengthened by engines. Crews will continue to mop up the fire. The main focus will be on containment and mop up activities. Crews will continue to monitor the weather today and evaluate changing conditions.

Weather Concerns: 
Elevated to near critical fire weather conditions will be present for Wednesday afternoon. Winds over the eastern half of the area will be breezy late this morning and continue until the middle of the afternoon. Winds will be from the north at 10-15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. The strong winds will be before the relative humidity drops to its minimum, and this change will mean no critical fire weather conditions. Winds will decrease by the middle of the afternoon when relative humidity reaches the daily low. 

Evacuations and Closures:
No evacuations or closures at this time.

Damages and Injuries:
Currently, there have been no reports of injuries from the public or first responders. No structures or critical infrastructure have been lost or are currently threatened.