More Red Flags and dry weather…

3-16-24. 2:30pm. This Update is brought to you by Bahia Services and Rentals in Port O'Connor. Rentals including Trash Dumpsters, Portable Toilets/Restroom Trailers, Hand Washing/Sanitizing Stations as well as Generators, Light Towers, Cooling-Warming Stations, and other rental equipment.

Weather wise, it will be a pleasant week of lows in the 40's and 50's and highs in the 70's and 80's. Unfortunately, our desert weather and potentially more Red Flag Warnings will continue since rain is not in the forecast for at least another 10 or more days.

A Red Flag Warning has already been issued for tomorrow from 11am to 10pm for most of south-central Texas...graphics below. I have also included a graphic that shows all of the counties that currently have a burn ban in effect.

Here is the update on the Crabapple fire, to the NW of Fredericksburg:

Crabapple Fire Daily Update

3/16/2025

1:00pm

Size: 8640 acres

Containment: 40%

Date Started: 3/15/2025

Cause: Unknown, under investigation

Great progress was made overnight on the Crabapple Fire. Fire activity gradually decreased overnight, allow crews the chance to make headway on containment. Heavy equipment crews were able to establish line on the north side of the fire from Highway 16 N to FM1631. The fire was held at FM1631 and is currently being monitored to ensure it does not cross the highway. Equipment is making progress building containment line on the remainder of the fire. Aviation is being utilized to target problem areas and support ground personnel.

As the day progresses officials will have a better understanding of how much the fire has actually burned. The number of structures lost is still unknown since much of the area is very rural and will take time to do a proper assessment. Red Cross has set up a shelter at Zion Lutheran Church at 426 W. Main St. Currently, food, water and other supply donations are not needed. If the public would like to give to the relief effort, please email crabapplefire@fbgtx.org.

Smoke will likely increase as the day goes on and humidities decrease. Interior pockets of fuel will continue to burn, which may produce large amounts of smoke.

Weather: West to northwest winds increase to 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. Relative humidities fall into the lower teens. Smoke will likely increase as the day goes on and humidities decrease. Interior pockets of fuel will continue to burn as well.

Structures Threatened: Approximately 50