Firefighters and first responders from around the region helped battle Wednesday’s blaze outside Dripping Springs at the Storm Ranch. The call came in around 3 p.m. and North Hays Fire responded as the property is in their territory. Over the course of the next several hours, the wildfire burned about 357 acres, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service, which is one of about 18 agencies that were on the scene helping to contain the wildfire or provide other services.
“As of Friday morning, the fire was approximately 90 percent contained,” Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Wobus said. “Fire crews will remain on the ranch for the next several days to ensure the flames are completely out.”
About ten homes were under an evacuation order that was lifted at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night. Wobus said the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith, Pct. 4, said he was grateful for all the mutual aid assistance from the various agencies.
“With the massive support from regional responders, firefighters were able to prevent further spread and damage from the fire,” he said. “Hays County is appreciative of the help from all of the local departments and organizations, as well as those from state agencies.”
He added, “I’d like to specifically recognize the brave men and women of Hays County ESD 6 (North Hays Fire Department) who first responded to the event and remain there to protect our community.”
Smith thanked the following:
| Hays County | Travis County |
| North Hays Fire Department | Oak Hill Fire Department |
| Wimberley Fire Department | Austin Fire Department |
| Buda Fire Department | Pedernales Fire Department |
| Kyle Fire Department | STAR Flight |
| South Hays Fire Department | Comal County |
| San Marcos/Hays County EMS | Comal County ESD No. 3 (Canyon Lake Fire / EMS) |
| Hays County CERT (an all-volunteer organization) | State of Texas |
| Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office | Texas A&M Forest Service |
| Blanco County | Texas Division of Emergency Management |
| Johnson City Fire Department | |
| Blanco County ESD 2 Fire Department | |
| Round Mountain Fire Department |
He also gave kudos to Dripping Springs Ranch Park, an event facility that opened as a temporary shelter for humans along with their pets and livestock when county officials implemented an evacuation order for about 10 homes near the wildfire.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said the show of support from neighboring agencies was impressive.
“We thank each and every first responder who helped with the wildfire,” he said. “Their efforts and hard work made all the difference in containing the blaze.”
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