(Editor’s Note: This post has been updated as of 4:34 p.m. on Friday, July 29. This is a developing story and we will make updates as more information becomes available.)
Staff Report
BUDA –The Buda Fire Department and neighboring agencies are battling a 89.5-acre wildfire in the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) on a large tract of undeveloped land near Coves of Cimmeron — the fire is currently 75% contained.
Aircraft water drops continued until dark, bulldozers were operating on-site and the Buda Fire Department also remained on-site on Thursday, July 28. The Texas A&M Forest Service created a fire break line around the entire perimeter and crews were slated to arrive at daylight on Friday, July 29.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time, according to Buda Fire Chief Clay Huckaby during a media briefing at 4 p.m. on July 27. Preliminary reports state that an individual backed a trailer into an electric pole guide wire, resulting in shaking the pole — this caused power lines to come in contact and sparks to be thrown on the ground.
No evacuations have been ordered by the Buda FD or any other assisting departments.
Fire departments involved include Buda, Kyle, North Hays, San Marcos, South Hays and Manchaca. STAR Flight helicopters have assisted with water drops. The Texas A&M Forest Service brought in bulldozers and additional air support to assist.
