A wildfire in Cedar Park destroyed apartments and displaced hundreds. Here's what we know
A wildfire in Cedar Park tore through an apartment complex Tuesday evening and forced evacuations of surrounding areas, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell Jr. said at a news conference.
Multiple eyewitness reports and videos recounted the scene as flames rose above trees and from windows at the Bexley at Silverado apartments located at 12820 W. Parmer Lane. Ambulances and fire crews were on the scene as flames reached 60 feet into the air.
Fire updates: Firefighters making progress on Cedar Park fire Wednesday; 60% contained
Here's what we know:
Officials uncertain of fire's origin
Officials believe the fire started as a grass fire on Parmer Lane and spread to a nearby structure, though they're uncertain of its cause, Cedar Park Fire Department Chief James Mallinger said at a news conference Tuesday night. The wind allowed the flames to spread quickly, engulf surrounding buildings and cross West Whitestone Boulevard.
Firefighters were notified of the fire around 6:16 p.m. and were on the scene in less than a minute, Mallinger said. They requested additional units, which arrived shortly after.
How many acres were burned? Has forward progression stopped?
Cedar Park officials originally said the fire burned 15 acres of grassy area, though the Texas A&M Forest Service estimated the fire had spread to 120 acres and was 0% contained after 9 p.m. Tuesday.
The Texas A&M Forest Service is reporting the fire is 60% contained as of Wednesday morning.
Nearly two dozen state and local agencies assisted Cedar Park firefighters Tuesday night. Bulldozers from the forest services created a containment line around an active brush fire.
Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin said the "forward progression" of the fire was stopped Tuesday evening. He said the Texas Forest Service reports the blaze as 0% contained because "the containment line is a technical term for completely secure."
"The Texas A&M Forest Service provides that metric and does so conservatively," Penniman-Morin said.
One building totally destroyed, three others damaged
Mallinger said multiple buildings were damaged in the fire. He called one building a "total loss" and said three others sustained damage.
A total of 300 apartment units, 95 townhomes and multiple businesses were evacuated, according to media alert from Cedar Park.
Residents of the Bexley at Silverado apartment complex were sent reverse 911 alerts and evacuated, along with residents of the Whitestone Landing Townhomes and people in several surrounding businesses. Fire crews were able to protect nearby homes and businesses, Mallinger said.
Two injured, according to preliminary reports
Two people are known to have suffered minor injuries as a result of the fire, according to officials Wednesday. No major injuries were reported.
"The lives that have been saved tonight, the property that has been protected tonight — and there has been loss of property and there has been damage — but the lives that have been saved tonight and the lives that have been protected tonight was because of Cedar Park Fire Department's and Cedar Park Police Department's rapid response, and every other agency that jumped in and helped out," Gravell said.
More: Track Texas fires: Map traces current wildfires burning across state in real-time
Hundreds displaced; residents encouraged to aid evacuees
"Several hundred" residents have been temporarily displaced by Tuesday's fire, Penniman-Morin said. The American Red Cross set up a shelter location at Hill Country Bible Church, 3351 Little Elm Trail in Cedar Park for those displaced needing assistance.
"I'd also encourage all of our citizens here in Williamson County — we have neighbors that are in need, and if you can step up tonight and you know of someone that has been displaced, let's do what we do in Williamson County the best: Let's bring them in, let's welcome them and let's take care of them tonight," Gravell said.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What we know about the destructive Cedar Park wildfire Wednesday
