Reverse Fire Update #2

Fredericksburg, Texas - The Fredericksburg Fire/EMS Department in conjunction with the volunteer fire departments of Gillespie County and the Texas A&M Forest Service are continuing to work the Reverse Fire in western Gillespie County.

As of the last update from the Texas A&M Forest Service, the affected area is estimated at 79 acres and is 90 percent contained. The increase in acreage is due to better mapping and final establishment of containment lines rather than growth of the fire.

"Today was a long day as crews battled extreme heat and low humidity, while completing containment lines and putting out hot spots," Fredericksburg Fire/EMS Chief Lynn Bizzell said. "A huge thank you to our partners at the Texas A&M Forest Service, the volunteer departments of Gillespie County and Gillespie County road crews, who have provided exceptional support."

Dozers from the Texas A&M Forest Service have completed a containment line around the perimeter of the fire, while engine crews responded to hot spots and extinguished them. Throughout the evening and night, crews will patrol areas of concern.

On Wednesday afternoon, Texas A&M Forest Service officials announced the cause of the fire to be debris burning.

The fire started around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, near the 400 Block of East Grand Oaks Dr. It generally moved east and north and the affected area is located between U.S. Highway 290 and Reeh-Weinheimer Road.

As crews continue to work, everyone is asked to avoid the area.People in the area should listen to crews on the ground. Residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid activities that could potentially ignite additional fires. Gillespie County remains in exceptional drought conditions.

Drink, snack, meals and other supplies for firefighters are not needed currently.

The Fredericksburg Fire/EMS Facebook page will be updated as information becomes available. To learn more about the City of Fredericksburg Fire/EMS, go to FBGTX.org or contact City Hall at (830) 997-7521.

-30-