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Blanco County fire estimated to be nearly 680 acres, 100 percent contained, officials say

The Blanco County fire is now 100 percent contained, officials said.

LLANO COUNTY, Texas — A large brush fire that broke out in Blanco County July 17 is now estimated to be 680 acres and 100 percent contained, Texas A&M Forest Service said.

This is the first of two large fires in the area. The second fire is estimated to be burning about 1,200 acres. We put together a map that shows roughly how many acres the two fires have burned relative to the City of Austin:

Credit: Google Maps
Firefighters are battling two large fires west of Austin. The first fire is estimated to be 775 acres while the second fire is estimated to be 1,800 acres. We put together a map that shows roughly how many acres these fires have burned.

More than 20 different fire departments with more than 100 staffers helped with the fire near State Highway 71 and Ranch Road 962 west near Horseshoe Bay, according to Llano County Office of Emergency Management. The Blanco County Sheriff's Office told KVUE the fire started just after 5:15 p.m. in Round Mountain off of Ranch Road 962 West.

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Second fire in Llano County is 1,500 acres; firefighters asking public for gasoline

No homes or buildings have burned and none are threatened. Llano County officials spoke with KVUE's Leslie Adami, saying they are in the clear for now, but that the main danger remains in Blanco County.

Helicopters were seen dropping water on the area several hours later.

PHOTOS: Firefighters battling large fire near Horseshoe Bay, Blanco officials say

Emergency crews have also been getting a helping hand from residents in the community. A local church, Bible Church of the Lakes, has become the command center for firefighters. Residents have also been bringing supplies for first responders to the church.

"We appreciate of all the work those folks do all night long," said Horseshoe Bay resident Dave Smith. "You don't think about it until something like this happens and you realize they might be volunteers, they may have to go into work today, but they were all up all night. Things get tough and Texans get together. They help out."

Smith, who belongs to the church and has been assisting with the command center, shared that dozens of fire departments were crowded into its parking lot Tuesday night awaiting instructions of where to respond. Although an area resident, he shared there were some names of volunteer fire departments he had never even heard of who quickly jumped in to help.

"Small communities have made one or two trucks were here so all the surrounding communities were involved," he said. "It was incredible to see it."

Fire crews are expected to remain in the area watching for hot spots.

On Facebook, the Horseshoe Bay FD advised drivers to avoid the general area, but to keep a watchful eye on the roadway "if you MUST travel through."

KVUE traffic reporter Anavid Reyes said drivers should avoid Highway 71 and U.S. 281. If you live in the vicinity of the area, keep in mind that the intersection at Ranch Road 962 at U.S. 281 is closed. Consider RR 962 northbound until you reach Highway 71 to travel eastbound or westbound. You can also take U.S. 281 in that direction if you're taking that alternate route. Follow Reyes on Twitter for updates.

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