AUSTIN, Texas — A fire in East Austin is out hours after it spread rapidly Thursday afternoon.
According to Austin Fire, multiple calls came in just after 12:30 p.m. about a fire along FM 969 near Decker Lane that was 1/4 acres before it grew within minutes.
Due to multiple wind shifts and dry conditions, crews had to adapt to the fire as it threatened a school, a neighborhood and a jail in the area.
Officials said 55 acres burned and that the fire was out and completely contained before 5 p.m. Officials determined the cause of the fire was an equipment malfunction.
No evacuations were ordered during the wildfire, but the KIPP Austin Ridge campus said they had students picked up early "out of an abundance of caution for the well-being of our students and staff."
More than 100 firefighters from multiple agencies along with Travis County STAR Flight are helping with the response. Two firefighters were hurt in the incident, but the extent of their injuries is currently unknown.
Wildfire expert Randy Denzer said the heat coupled with the recent lack of rainfall and the grass drying up are ripe conditions for a grass fire.
"It's time to start being very aware of the fact that it doesn't take much to start a fire," Denzer said. "It's a good time to start pay attention to when you barbecue ... Little things like that when you're outside welding, people who are welding things, make sure they have a water can nearby, just be aware that things are drying up now."
Officials said no structures were breached by the fire.