AUSTIN, Texas — At least one home was destroyed in a wildfire that sparked near San Marcos Saturday afternoon and wasn't fully contained until Thursday.
According to Hays County officials and the Texas A&M Forest Service, the 400-acre fire, called the Oak Grove fire, sparked up around 3:15 p.m. on Aug. 5. The Hays County Wildland Task Force responded, and other crews, including the Austin Fire Department and air assets, assisted in Saturday's efforts extinguishing the fire.
On Sunday, Hays County officials said five dozers, 15 fire engines, a 20-person hand crew and national guard helicopters would be used for water drops on areas of heavy heat. Planes were seen dipping into Canyon Lake to collect water for the fire.
The Texas A&M Forest Service said as of Sunday afternoon, one residence and "a number of outbuildings" had been destroyed in the fire. Officials will continue to assess reports of damages and provide updates.
Crews continued to prioritize areas on the northern perimeter of the fire, where access was difficult due to rough terrain, preventing dozers from being able to work. Two National Guard Blackhawk helicopters also operated over the fire Monday to provide bucket drops on flareups or other hot spots near fire perimeters.
As of Thursday afternoon, the fire is 100% contained.
Law enforcement began allowing residents who were evacuated back into the Oak Grove/Fox/Thurman area as of 1 p.m. on Monday. Deputies said that only residents and first responders were allowed. Deputies were stationed at key areas to prevent non-emergency and non-residents from entering the area.
Twelve homes were evacuated because of the fire, with 60 others threatened. Hays County officials asked those evacuating to relocate to one of two available shelters: the Promised Land Church on 1650 Lime Kiln Road in San Marcos, or the First Baptist Church of Wimberly at 15951 Winters Mill Pkwy.
A Temporary Flight Restriction was in place for the fire, meaning no drones were allowed in the fire zone. The Texas A&M Forest Service said there was a drone in the airspace on Saturday night, which can be unsafe for firefighting aircraft.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, caused by "equipment use." Critical fire weather conditions continue in the area and in Central Texas as a whole.