SAN MARCOS, Texas – Fire crews continued to make progress with containing a 400-acre wildfire in Hays County.
The Oak Grove Fire is 95% contained as of 7:44 p.m. Tuesday, according to Texas A&M Forest Service.
The wildlife destroyed one home and damaged several buildings after it started at around 3 p.m. Saturday in the 200 block of Oak Grove Road in San Marcos.
Within hours, the flames grew to dozens of acres and jumped north of the Blanco River. The Forest Service said they were able to stop forward progression on Saturday night with the help of rough terrain and heavy vegetation.
Fire crews used bulldozers, fire engines and a hand crew on Sunday to further contain the flames, the service said. Additionally, National Guard helicopters were used for water drops in areas of heavy heat.
One video posted to KSAT Connect by user Doug Faseler on Saturday showed a plane scooping water out of Canyon Lake to take to the fire.
Video sent into KSAT Connect shows planes helping out with Oak Grove fire in Hays County scooping water from Canyon Lake to take to the scene.
— Mia Montgomery (@KSATMia) August 6, 2023
Current Status as of 8:15 pm: 300 acres, 10% contained
📸 Doug Faseler@ksatnews @NWSSanAntonio @AllHazardsTFS pic.twitter.com/LzS7GVjcnJ
About 12 households in the area evacuated Saturday.
On Monday, the Hays County Office of Emergency Management said residents who were asked to leave their homes have been allowed to return.
Only residents, first responders and volunteers will be allowed in the area.
A temporary shelter opened at the Promised Land Church, located at 1650 Lime Kiln Road in San Marcos. The First Baptist Church of Wimberley, located at 15951 Winters Mill Pkwy, also opened as a temporary evacuation shelter.
The Office of Emergency Management in Hays County said two fire stations were taking in donations for fire crews on Sunday, but those needs have been met.
H-E-B, Summer Moon Coffee, and the community helped by donating food, snacks, water, and Gatorade, the office said.
The office said they will inform the public when the need for donations arises.
The Pedernales Electric Cooperative is on the scene working to restore power for residents, the office added.
According to Your Weather Authority team, fire danger conditions were elevated over the weekend across South Central Texas thanks to dry grasses, lower afternoon humidity, and breezy south winds.
Avoiding outdoor burning is encouraged, as well as any activity that could create sparks outdoors.
This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
To view more on the current weather conditions, click here.
Elevated fire danger continues... please continue to avoid outdoor burning as well as any outdoor activities that could create sparks ⬇️ https://t.co/fF916FI78R
— Mia Montgomery (@KSATMia) August 5, 2023
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