A wildfire outside Fredericksburg has consumed at least 1,400 acres in the area, displacing firefighters and prompting the closure of the Enchanted Rock Natural Area. The fire started during the afternoon of August 2 but has been intensifying for several hours. Dry and windy conditions may fan the flames.
It has been 25% contained so far, according to the most current report from the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The Big Sky Fire fire was reported at 12:11 p.m. yesterday when Fredericksburg Fire Department emergency services were mobilized for a grass fire at Eckert Road and Foster Ranch Road.
This occurred near Willow City, and within minutes, firefighters said a new level of increased work was activated due to the size of the fire, weather conditions, and the terrain of the fire’s location.
Fire crews from various groups and areas assisted in extinguishing the fire in this area, which is part of Gillespie County.
As night fell, the fire intensified.
Enchanted Rock state natural area was closed.
Enchanted Rock Park announced that it was closed due to the proximity to the wildfire. This site is located 18 miles north of Fredericksburg.
According to park data, officials have not mentioned when they might reopen the park, a protected area where more than 250,000 people hike each year.
In addition, more than 400 archeological sites have been found there, and 120 are State Archeological Landmarks.
On the other hand, Pedernales Falls State Park was also closed due to another wildfire in Hays and Blanco counties.
Heat and wildfire warning.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory effective from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 3 in Central Texas. This includes the San Antonio area.
From August 2021 until now, the region has been experiencing the worst part of the drought. This is not the biggest wildfire in the United States in 2022. Similar forest fires wreaked havoc throughout the country, especially in California.
These are the factors that increase the likelihood of wildfires:
- Dry vegetation
- Very hot air
- Extremely dry air
- Extremely windy conditions