Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Multiple structures threatened as wildfire burns in Hays County

A plume of smoke rises above a dry field with a few trees in Hays County.
Kyle Fire Department/ESD #5
/
Hays County Office of Emergency Services

A wildfire in Hays County is burning near the 200 block of Oak Grove Drive and is moving north of the Blanco River.

The Texas A&M Forest Service says the fire has burned an estimated 400 acres and was 20% contained as of Sunday morning. The agency said multiple structures are threatened and there have been 12 evacuations.

"Bulldozers are working to establish a fireline, but rough terrain and heavy vegetation are slowing progress," said the agency in a tweet.

The Hays County Office of Emergency Management is providing updates on evacuations.

"If you live in this area you should consider, absolutely, moving out of the area for a little while," said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra in a live stream from the site of the fire.

The Hays County Office of Emergency Services reported the fire at 3:13 p.m. Saturday. At 4:22 p.m., the office said air assets were on the way to help fight the fire. Hays County Wildland Task Force members were among the first responders.

Hays County said anyone being asked to evacuate can find temporary shelter at Promised Land Church at 1650 Lime Kiln Road in San Marcos.

The National Weather Service has the area under a Red Flag Warning until 9 p.m. That means a combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures can cause developing fires to spread rapidly and get out of control.

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction in place for the area over the fire. Officials are asking people to avoid the area to provide safe passage for firefighting vehicles and aircraft.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.

Maya Fawaz is KUT's Hays County reporter. Got a tip? Email her at mfawaz@kut.org. Follow her on Twitter @mayagfawaz.
Related Content