TAYLOR, Texas — Friday was a busy day for firefighters around Central Texas as crews battled three fires east of Austin.
One happened at a recycling facility in Taylor, while a second fire happened because of a lawnmower malfunction near the Travis County Expo Center. A brush fire happened near County Road 198 and Apache Pass, outside the Hutto city limits.
The City of Taylor said two firefighters were injured and taken to the hospital. One of them has since been released. Officials say the fires are now under control.
Multiple crews, including the Taylor Fire Department, responded to the fire at the Balcones Resources building at 9801 Chandler Road.
City of Taylor officials said fire departments from multiple nearby communities assisted.
Shortly before 6 p.m., the City said the fire had been mostly extinguished but that it's still burning in some debris piles. Equipment was brought in to remove the debris and firefighters continued working until the fire was put out, before winds picked up Friday evening.
Two firefighters, one from Taylor and another from Jarrell, were injured and taken to the hospital. The firefighter from Taylor was since released from the hospital, the City said.
Residents were asked to stay clear of the area.
Around 1:37 p.m., another fire was reported near County Round 198 and Apache Pass outside of Hutto city limits.
Multiple fire Departments responded to the area and worked to contain the fire. At this time, there are no reports of damages to residence or any injuries.
That fire was extinguished before 5 p.m.
Then, around 7:15 p.m., the Texas A&M Forest Service said it was responding to a request for assistance in Williamson County to help with a wildfire near Florence off of North Highway 183. The fire was reportedly 171 acres and the forest service said it was 95% contained as of 9:40 p.m.
A burn ban is in effect for Williamson County as of Friday, Jan. 14, at 5 p.m. The order prohibits outdoor burning in all of the unincorporated areas of Williamson County and smoking in and/or on Williamson County parks, preserves and trails due to dry vegetation, wind and imminent threat of severe damage. The order is in effect for seven days and can be lifted by the county judge if conditions improve.
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