A fire that spread across approximately 85 acres near Jarrell Thursday afternoon brought firefighters from across Central Texas to northern Williamson County, prompted a temporary evacuation order and served as a timely reminder of the area's ongoing fire risk during a stretch of hot, dry weather.

The fire, reported in the 300 block of Alsace Avenue, was discovered by the Jarrell Fire Department at about 1:05 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. According to Williamson County, crews initially faced a pile of recyclable metal that continued to ignite while flames spread into an adjacent field. The cause remains under investigation by the Williamson County Fire Marshal's Office in coordination with Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 5 Jarrell Fire & Rescue.

For residents in Jarrell and surrounding Williamson County communities, the incident comes as outdoor fire danger remains an ongoing concern. The county is currently under a burn ban that began Aug. 18 because of increased drought conditions, and county emergency officials have classified the week's overall fire danger as moderate.

Evacuation Order Issued as Smoke Spread Near Jarrell

As the fire grew Thursday afternoon, Williamson County issued an evacuation order at 2:59 p.m. along with an alert warning residents about unhealthy air quality caused by smoke.

The evacuation order was later canceled after firefighters contained the blaze. By approximately 4:50 p.m., crews were working remaining hot spots and continuing to monitor the area.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Williamson County Fire Marshal's Office subsequently evaluated air conditions and determined the air quality was safe, according to county officials.

One civilian was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and dehydration but did not require transportation to a hospital.

Fire Drew a Large Multi-Agency Response

The response stretched far beyond Jarrell, bringing together emergency personnel from throughout Williamson County and neighboring communities.

Agencies involved included Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 5, Williamson County EMS, the Williamson County Office of Emergency Management, Williamson County Fire Marshal's Office, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas A&M Forest Service, Travis County STAR Flight and the Austin Police Department.

Fire departments from Bartlett, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Hutto, Jollyville, Leander, Liberty Hill, Round Rock, Salado and Weir also assisted.

That broad response helped crews contain a fire that had moved from an industrial-type source into surrounding vegetation — the kind of transition that can become especially concerning when grasses and other fuels are dry.

Williamson County Burn Ban Remains in Effect

Williamson County's countywide burn ban remains in place as of Sept. 12. Commissioners approved the restriction effective Aug. 18 for up to 90 days because of increased drought conditions, although county officials can end it earlier if conditions improve.

The order prohibits burning combustible materials outdoors unless the fire is contained within an enclosure that prevents flames and sparks from escaping. That includes common activities such as burning leaves, grass, brush and other yard waste, as well as burning vegetation for land clearing.

Violations may be treated as Class C misdemeanors carrying fines of up to $500.

Current county emergency planning data also shows the Keetch-Byram Drought Index — a measure commonly used to gauge wildfire potential — averaging 695 this week. Williamson County notes that readings above 600 indicate severe drought and elevated wildfire risk.

For residents around Jarrell, Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Round Rock and other Williamson County communities, that makes avoiding outdoor burning and other activities that could create sparks especially important while dry conditions persist.

What Happens Next

Investigators have not yet announced what caused the Jarrell fire. The Williamson County Fire Marshal's Office and Williamson County ESD No. 5 Jarrell Fire & Rescue are continuing that investigation.

The evacuation order is no longer in effect, county officials have said the air is safe and firefighters were able to contain the incident without any reported hospitalization.

Still, with the burn ban continuing and drought conditions keeping wildfire potential elevated, residents should continue watching county alerts and use extra caution with outdoor activities that could accidentally start a fire.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates affecting Jarrell, Williamson County and communities across Central Texas.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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