AUSTIN, Texas — 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, the fire – named the Crabapple fire – started in the 8700 block of Lower Crabapple Road around 1 p.m.

All Gillespie County fire departments are responding to the fire. Around 2 p.m., the forest service said it was sending air support to assist ground crews.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the 400-acre fire is 0% contained as of 4:45 p.m. Saturday.

As of 3:10 p.m., some evacuations were underway. Fredericksburg Fire EMS said crews on the ground are evacuating people as needed. If anyone has been displaced, a shelter is available at Faith Baptist Church at 3022 N. State Highway 16 in Fredericksburg.

By 4:20 p.m. the fire had jumped across State Highway 16 and was headed toward FM 1631. Anyone in its path has been told to evacuate immediately.

The Fredericksburg Police Department has asked the public to refrain from calling dispatch to ask for updates about the fire.

The public is asked to avoid the area. 

Anyone who would like to donate to help first responders can drop water or electrolyte drinks at the Fredericksburg Fire Department at 126 W. Main St.