Fire crews in Gillespie County along with the Texas A&M Forest Service are battling a large wildfire north of Fredericksburg that sparked on Saturday afternoon. According to Gillespie County officials,

As high winds blow through the South this weekend, thousands of acres of wildfires are raging in Texas. An outbreak of wildfires began in Texas on Friday as winds exceeded 30 miles per hour and dry land provided the ideal fuel.

Strong winds are pushing smoke and ash from the Crabapple Fire near Fredricksburg east toward Austin, according to the National Weather Service.

A wildfire in Gillespie County that prompted evacuations Saturday grew to more than 8,600 acres by the evening, according to an update from the Texas A&M Forest Service. READ MORE:

Crews are responding to a 400-acre wildfire near Fredericksburg. Officials said the Crabapple fire is near 8700 lower Crabapple. Crews said the fire is 0% contained. GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas - The Texas A&M Forest Service is responding to a wildfire in Gillespie County Saturday near Fredericksburg.

Crews are responding to an 8600-acre wildfire near Fredericksburg and is currently 0% contained. Officials said the Crabapple fire started near 8700 Lower Crabapple Rd. Fredericksburg Fire is directing evacuees to a shelter at Zion Lutheran Church at 426 West Main St.