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1,400-acre wildfire closes San Antonio-area's Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock State National Area closed on Wednesday, August 3 due to the Big Sky Fire.
Enchanted Rock State National AreaA massive 1,400-acre wildfire called “Big Sky Fire” caused the temporary closure of one of San Antonio’s most popular area state parks, Enchanted Rock State National Area. The large wildfire is burning north of Fredericksburg in Gillespie County, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The Fredericksburg natural area posted about its closure on its social media channels on Tuesday, August 2. Enchanted Rock noted that it wouldn’t be open to the public on Wednesday, August 3. The park did not disclose when it would open back up. It added to check back on its social media channel for updates.
As of 5 a.m. Wednesday, the “Big Sky Fire” is an estimated 1,400 acres and 25% is contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Officials said the fire continues to spread due to wind, terrain, and volatile juniper and oak fuel type. Bulldozers are engaged while engine crews focus on suppression and structure protection.
The fire began just after noon on Tuesday, about eight miles north of Fredericksburg, according to the Forest Service. Local authorities have requested that the public avoid the area around Eckert Road and Lower Crabapple Road. Around 40 residents have been evacuated, according to an incident overview from the Forest Service.
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction in place for the area over the fire. Fire managers want to remind the public that drones are not allowed to be flown around active wildland firefighting efforts.