GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – Fire crews continue efforts Tuesday to contain the Crabapple fire, which has affected an estimated 9,858 acres, according to the city of Fredericksburg.  As of Tuesday afternoon, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported the fire was 90% contained.  “We'r e sustaining winds between 15 and 20 miles an hour, gusting up to 30 miles an hour,” said City Public Information Officer Sean Doerre. “Humidity levels are expected [Tuesday] afternoon into the 10 and 20% range. With that low level of humidity, that gives the fire the embers a chance to spread again.” The fire started on Saturday in the early afternoon around 10 miles north of downtown Fredericksburg. Since then, it destroyed nine residences, damaged two more and destroyed 20 outbuildings.  A combination of drought conditions and strong winds helped fuel the fire. About half of Gillespie County is experiencing exceptional drought, or stage four, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.  “We've had a deficit of rainfall for a period of about six years now, and that's led to really poor soil conditions,” said Paul Bab, the General Manager for the Hill Country Underground Water Conservation District.  Will the water required to extinguish the fire exacerbate drought conditions? “The magnitude of usage for firefighting is minuscule in comparison to the normal demands on the aquifer,” Babb said.  Fire crews will use stored rainwater and water from aquifers and surface water to put out flames.  “The volumes of water that they utilize in relation to what's available, and even what the district expects to be pumped on an annual basis, are pretty incomparable,” Babb said.  “There is water available, and this is probably the best use for water,” Babb continued. “Thank God that we do have these resources – that they are available even in a time of intense drought can be a part of the solution to fight these fires.” ...read more read less