Vineyard Hill fire burns 50 acres

HAYS COUNTY — Numerous agencies responded to the Vineyard Hill fire off Hilliard Road in Precinct 3 of Hays County on Saturday, July 8. As of noon on Monday, July 10 the fire was 100% contained.

Kim Hilsenbeck, Hays County communications manager and public information officer, said that investigators believe “a burn pit got out of control.”

According to the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), crews were working in the green belt area to suppress hot spots on Sunday afternoon.

Hays County Community Emergency Response Team demobilized Sunday evening, the city of San Marcos demobilized late Sunday night and all Emergency Services Districts demobilized at 6 a.m. on Monday morning.

The total confirmed acres affected were 50.

“This was much less than originally reported. Minimum crews will be on scene overnight to observe and extinguish any potential hot spots. Overall, the situation looks good,” according to the Hays County OEM.

The responding agencies included the following: Emergency Services districts 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8, York Creek Fire, city of San Marcos and San Marcos Hays EMS, Star Flight, Texas Forestry Service, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Hays County Community Emergency Response Team, Hays County Office of Emergency Services and Hays County Transportation.

There were no threats to residents or property. There were no structure losses or loss of life. As of press time, all agencies have been released.

Effective July 11, Hays County Commissioners Court has issued a 90-day burn ban.