Single Publication

Crabapple Fire Update

Friday August 4, 2023

10:30 am

Size: 56

Containment: 50%

Start Date: August 3, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

On Thursday August 3rd, Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) received a request for assistance on a fire approximately 6 miles west of Blanco, Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service responded around 4:15 pm, providing personnel, dozers and air operation assistance to the local fire department. The Texas Emergency Medical Task Force from Kerrville and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team (TIFMAS) arrived on scene at approximately 5:30pm to offer additional crews and medical assistance if needed. The fire is currently 56 acres in size burning through grass and timber near 19 structures.

Yesterday:

An air attack plane arrived around 5:00pm, providing an overview of the fire area followed by a single engine air tanker (SEAT) dropping fire retardant within fire perimeter. Dozers started constructing fireline around the fire perimeter while engine crews conducted structure protection and containment line heat suppression. By 8:20 pm fire behavior had diminished and containment was up to 50%. Texas A&M Forest Service resources will be released at 9:30pm while the Blanco County crews monitor overnight. All crews will return in morning

Today:

Texas A&M Forest Service resources arrived back on scene by 9:30 am. The Crabapple Fire experienced good relative humidity recovery overnight and local crews monitored and provided heat suppression, there was no change in fire behavior. Today, dozers will continue improving containment lines and suppressing heat in the areas where the single engine air tanker (SEAT) dropped retardant yesterday.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Expect little day to day changes, besides a slight increase in temperatures, going into the weekend. Dry and relatively hot conditions continue today with a Red Flag Warning in effect this afternoon until 9:00 pm this evening at the fire site. While minimum humidity values will be in the mid 20s this afternoon, good overnight recoveries will still be seen. Slightly warmer temperatures and slightly lower humidity will be seen Saturday afternoon. Given the similar conditions to today, another Red Flag Warning is possible for tomorrow

Evacuations: None

Damages/Injuries:  19 threatened structures and all saved

Closures: None