The Nebo Mountain Fire in Gillespie County has been fully contained, following a fierce battle by firefighting crews from across the state. The fire, which scorched 1,160 acres in the northern part of Gillespie County, was officially declared 100 percent contained as of Wednesday night.
This wildfire ignited approximately 16 miles north of Fredericksburg, stretching from Exxon Road to Legion Creek Road. A coordinated effort involving multiple fire departments, including the Fredericksburg Fire/EMS Department and the Texas A&M Forest Service, played a crucial role in bringing the blaze under control. Notably, crews from Utah also assisted in combating the fire.
The Texas A&M Forest Service confirmed that the fire was first reported on Tuesday afternoon at around 2:17 PM. Firefighters worked tirelessly for more than 24 hours to contain the flames. The collaboration with state and regional crews was vital, as local resources alone would not have sufficed for a fire of this magnitude. Sean Doerre from Fredericksburg Fire & EMS emphasized the importance of external support, stating, “You just can’t fight at a local level” when faced with such a significant fire.
Aerial units were deployed by the Texas A&M Forest Service to target specific hotspots in the wildfire. Doerre noted that without both aerial support and the ground crews, the situation could have escalated dramatically. Approximately 100 personnel were engaged in fighting the fire, which fortunately did not breach the established containment lines. Although two outbuildings were lost, no evacuation orders were issued for nearby residents.
In response to the wildfire, Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones declared a disaster, enabling emergency measures such as road closures and restricted access to certain areas. The declaration strongly advised against any activities that could ignite a fire, including welding and cutting.
Given the prevailing dry conditions throughout Central Texas, officials are urging the public to exercise caution to prevent future wildfires. Doerre warned that the conditions are ideal for another blaze to occur, encouraging the community to avoid any actions that could potentially cause a spark.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Thursday, February 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The forecast predicts north winds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph, coupled with a dry cold front that will elevate fire risks, as no rain is anticipated.
