Fires ignite in a dry Hays County

A nearly monthslong drought has settled over Hays County while high temperatures continue to leach from the region’s precious water resources. Both factors have been instrumental in causing wildfires throughout the area and beyond, including two separate fires early this week.

This month alone has seen around half a dozen wildfires, burning almost 500 acres of land, according to the Hays County Office of Emergency Management. The largest of these, the Oak Grove Fire, burned approximately 400 acres of land just east of Wimberley and lasted for several days before reaching 100% containment.

On Monday, Aug. 21, the Office of Emergency Management shared a post on social media regarding the critical fire conditions in the area. Minutes later, a wildfire ignited in Buda, covering 28 acres before it was contained, according to information later released by the county.

While crews were still fighting that fire, another fire ignited on the outskirts of Kyle, near FM 150 and Teal Lane. The smaller fire reached 100% containment an hour and a half later, according to the county.