Second wildfire burns through Dripping Springs area this summer

A wildfire near the Hays-Blanco County line, named the Storm Rider Fire, has burned through an estimated 200 acres, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

The fire began in the early afternoon of Tuesday, August 2, moving northwest towards U.S. Highway 290. Approximately three hours after original reports came in, the forest service was still reporting 0% containment (last updated at 4:13 p.m.).The cause of the burn is still under investigation, according to the Incident Information System.

"Hays County has deployed our Wildland Task Force to assist Blanco County,” said Fire Chief Scott Collard with the North Hays County Fire Rescue. “The fire is moving rapidly and threatening multiple properties and structures. Ranch Road 165 is closed at Farm-to-Market 2325 and at U.S. Highway 290."

U.S. Highway 290 has also been shut down at FM 3232.

"There are some people that have evacuated,” he continued. “More evacuations may be necessary. Fire units are defending structures near the county line ahead of the fire.”

A temporary evacuation center has been set up at the Blanco United Methodist Church at 61 Pecan St. Dripping Springs Ranch Park is housing horses displaced by the fire.

The Texas A&M Forest Service is working in conjunction with local agencies, responding with ground crews, firefighters and aircraft. These include one air attack platform, three fire bosses, three single engine airtankers, one Type Two helicopter and two Texas Military Department Blackhawks, according to the Incident Information System.

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction in place for the area over the fire.

Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist in the area with high temperatures expected to peak near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Incident Information System.

“Breezy southerly winds will continue through the period as well, with sustained

speeds near 15 mph and gusts near 25 mph,” the information system stated on its website, inciweb.nwcg.gov.

Collard suggested caution and alertness for those living in and near Dripping Springs.

“Everyone ahead of and around the fire needs to stay aware of their surroundings,” he said. “They can turn on sprinklers in their yards to help defend their structures. If they feel that their safety may be compromised, they should leave immediately."

The Storm Rider Fire is the second 200+ acre wildfire to burn in the Dripping Springs area in the last month. The Gatlin Creek Fire burned over 325 acres July 6–8.

For updates and more information, visit public.tfswildfires.com or follow Blanco County Emergency Management on Facebook.