By Megan Wehring
DRIPPING SPRINGS – Over a span of four days, fire crews and first responders throughout the region helped battle a wildfire at the Storm Ranch property off Gatlin Creek Road outside Dripping Springs.
The fire was 100% contained as of Saturday, July 9.
The call came in around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6, and the North Hays Fire Department was the first to respond. Over the course of the next several hours, the wildfire burned approximately 357 acres, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service, which is one of about 18 agencies that were on the scene helping to contain the wildfire and provide other services.
Approximately 10 homes were under an evacuation order that was lifted at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Hay County Pct. 4 Commissioner Walt Smith said he was grateful for the mutual aid assistance from the various agencies.
“With the massive support from regional responders, firefighters were able to prevent further spread and damage from the fire,” Smith said. “Hays County is appreciative of the help from all of the local departments and organizations, as well as those from state agencies.”
Judge Ruben Becerra said the show of support from neighboring agencies was impressive.
“We thank each and every first responder who helped with the wildfire,” he said. “Their efforts and hard work made all the difference in containing the blaze.”
The following responders and agencies were thanked for their support.
Hays County
North Hays Fire Department
Wimberley Fire Department
Buda Fire Department
Kyle Fire Department
South Hays Fire Department
San Marcos/Hays County EMS
Hays County CERT (an all-volunteer organization)
Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office
Blanco County
Johnson City Fire Department
Blanco County ESD 2 Fire Department
Round Mountain Fire Department
Travis County
Oak Hill Fire Department
Austin Fire Department
Pedernales Fire Department
STAR Flight
Comal County
Canyon Lake Fire Department
State of Texas
Texas A&M Forest Service
Texas Division of Emergency Management
