STAFF REPORT
A brush fire near the Hays-Travis county line north of Dripping Springs has consumed about 500 acres, at last official report, and is still burning.
A Hays County Sheriff’s Office sergeant and others stand on top of a hill along Stagecoach Ranch Road as they carefully watch a fire that continues to head southward to Stagecoach Ranch subdivision, which began evacuations last night. (photo by Sean Kimmons)
Residents within a three-mile radius of the Stagecoach Ranch Subdivision were evacuated beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. By 10 p.m., authorities had announced an evacuation of the area including Bell Springs Road to Lost Creek Road and Grand Summit Boulevard.
The sheriff’s office estimates the evacuation area included about 500 people. Officials set up an evacuation shelter at the Dripping Springs Middle School, 111 Tiger Lane.
As of 8:30 a.m. Monday, Hays County spokesperson Laureen Chernow said the fire encompassed an area near Stagecoach Ranch Road and Hamilton Pool Road, near Hays County but not in it. Evacuees were still being urged to stay away from what Chernow this morning described as “a dangerous situation with high winds and low humidity.”
There have been no reports of injuries or residences burned in Hays County, according to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. Travis County officials say about 20 homes were destroyed there by what first responders have dubbed the Pedernales One fire.
Stagecoach Ranch Road in southern Travis County is not the same road as Stagecoach Road in Kyle.
Residents seeking more information about the Pedernales One Fire may call a Sheriff’s Office representative at (512) 753-2180 or visit the Hays County website at www.co.hays.tx.us.
TxDOT issued the following advisory:
WILDFIRE DANGER AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Texans face extreme wildfire danger. Avoid parking vehicles in tall, dry grass and weeds. Weeds and grass could be ignited by hot catalytic converters. Crush cigarettes in an ashtray and make sure they are really out. Be cautious about outdoor activities that might cause sparks or fires. Sparks can easily escape from burning trash. Avoid using welding or grinding equipment near dry weeds and grass.
DON’T DRIVE INTO SMOKE ON THE ROAD
Wind driven wildfire can move as fast as 60 miles per hour. When you see thick smoke across a highway, do not drive into it. Slow down. Prepare to stop and turn around. Activate your emergency flashers to warn vehicles following you. Check for oncoming traffic. Make sure you can turn around safely. Remember, when there is dense smoke on the road; do not drive in to it.
STAY ALERT TO WILDFIRE DANGER WHEN TRAVELING
Texans face extreme wildfire danger. Check fire and weather conditions before you get on the road. Monitor radio broadcasts while traveling. In areas where there may be wildfire, watch for highway signs, traffic control personnel and fire fighters. Slow down and prepare to stop when they signal you to do so. Remember, wind driven wildfire can move as fast as 60 miles per hour. If you see dense smoke on the road, do not drive into it.
WILDFIRE DANGER TO RURAL HOMES AND SUBURBS
Whether you live in a rural or suburban area, you can protect your home from the dangers of wildfire. Protect your property by clearing brush and grass away from your home and buildings. Clear out brush between trees. Prune lower branches. Make sure areas under utility lines are clear of brush, tall grass and trees so that utility service will continue. Create a fire break by clearing vegetation from areas between your house and nearby fields or wildland areas.
