BUDA, Texas — Editor's note: Previous versions of this story stated that the fire was both 45 and 53.8 acres. However, as of Wednesday afternoon, the Texas A&M Forest Service is reporting the fire at 41.4 acres.
Homes were evacuated as crews battled a brush fire near Buda on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Hays County Office of Emergency Management (HCOEM), the fire in the Ruby Ranch subdivision is not threatening structures at this time, but “out of an abundance of caution,” four homes were evacuated.
FM 967 from Ruby Ranch Road to 6025 FM 967 was closed to allow emergency vehicles to access the fire. It has now been reopened.
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, the 41.4-acre fire was 95% contained.
The Texas Wildland Task Force was called in to assist with the fire, and STAR Flight was on the scene for water drops, the HCOEM said. All Hays County ESDs were assisting the Buda Fire Department.
Four single-engine air tankers were expected to conduct flame-retardant drops. Helicopters left to clear the air space at around 4:40 p.m.
At around 6:15 p.m., officials requested the Blackhawk helicopter return to the fire. It was expected to be in service until sundown. Crews planned to remain on the scene overnight.
There is no indication as to the cause of the fire yet.
Should more residents be asked to leave their homes, officials said information will be communicated directly to those residents. Updates will also be posted on the Hays County website.
The following locations are available for residents who are unable to go to their homes:
- Hays Hills Baptist Church
- Hays Community YMCA
- Buda United Methodist Church