In the off season, the Gillespie County Fairgrounds usually sits empty — but this week, it’s overflowing with hay and feed.

Multi-year drought and La Niña play key roles

The Crabapple Fire has scorched nearly 10,000 acres north of Fredericksburg, nine homes and numerous buildings destroyed and residents without hay and feed for their livestock. Here’s how to help.

To put the Crabapple Fire burn scar in perspective, when overlaid over San Antonio, it’s the equivalent of a burned area from roughly St. Mary’s University, through downtown, then over to the Frost Bank Center.

Some residents in Gillespie County are urged to evacuate as a fire spreads off Interstate 10, according to the Gillespie County Communications Center 911 Emergency Dispatch.

Recent local wildfires have sent air quality on a roller coaster ride, leaving residents searching for ways to protect themselves from the fluctuating conditions.

As of 5 p.m. Monday, the Texas A&M Forest Service’s database said fire containment has climbed up to 65%, but there are still several people left with burned property and possessions.

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is offering emergency shelter for horses and cattle affected by the Crabapple Fire.

As of 10 a.m. Thursday, the Crabapple Fire in Gillespie County has burned 9,858 acres and is 95% contained, according to the City of Fredericksburg.

But fire danger returns Tuesday and Wednesday

A massive wildfire north of Fredericksburg in Gillespie County continues to rage across thousands of acres without containment.

After nearly 150 hours, the Crabapple Fire is 100 percent contained after burning an estimated 9,858 acres, according to a press release from the City of Fredericksburg.

Secure loose items & avoid any outdoor burning