GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- A Gillespie County wildfire, which prompted evacuations Saturday, reached more than 8,600 acres with 40% containment Sunday morning, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS). "On the left flank, fireline is finished from Highway 16 to CR 1631. Engine c rews continue structure protection. Firefighters continue to build line and increasing containment," said TFS in a 5:30 a.m. update. This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN for updates. How the fire expanded Saturday The Crabapple Fire began around 1 p.m. Saturday near 8700 Lower Crabapple Road, according to TFS, which initially estimated the fire at 400 acres. The wildfire grew rapidly, moving east across Highway 16 North before 5 p.m. Saturday, according to a press release. High winds and "prime wildfire conditions" contributed to the fire's rapid development. MAP: Where have wildfires burned in Central Texas in 2025? In the 5 p.m. release, Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said firefighters were working to "stop the forward progress" of the fire and prevent the loss of structures. “At this point, there is no containment,” Bizzell said. “Our crews are also working behind the fire to make sure embers do not cause more fires. Currently embers are flying up to a half of a mile and causing more fires in the area. Our resources are working to protect structures.” The Texas A&M Forest Service reported a wildfire burning Saturday in Gillespie County near Fredericksburg. (Fredericksburg Fire & EMS Photo) Evacuations of residents in the fire's path began Saturday afternoon, according to a Fredericksburg Fire EMS Facebook post. KXAN staff saw ash falling in downtown Austin Saturday afternoon. The Austin Fire Department said its dispatchers received calls about smoke in the Austin area, and attributed it to the wildfire. The wildfire reached 8,640 acres by 6 p.m., according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The progress of the Crabapple wildfire as of 6 p.m. (Texas A&M Forest Service) Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones issued a disaster declaration Saturday night. Anyone displaced by the fire can find shelter at the Zion Lutheran Church at 426 West Main Street, Fredericksburg. “Thankfully, the wind has subsided in the Texas Hill Country and our crews are working to stop the forward progress of the Crabapple Fire,” said Bizzell in a 10 p.m. update. “Our team will continue work throughout the night, including monitoring FM1631 to make sure the fire doesn’t progress.” Texas Department of Emergency Management and Texas A&M Forest Service assisted the ground crews with air support. ...read more read less