Brush Fire Erupts in Northeast Austin Amid Red Flag Warning

AUSTIN, Texas — Firefighters are battling a brush fire that broke out Tuesday afternoon in northeast Austin, prompting road closures and raising concerns over safety amid extreme fire danger conditions. The fire was reported at approximately 2:24 p.m. in the 5500 block of Blue Goose Road, between Monument Valley Drive and Kirkoswald Road, according to officials from the Austin Fire Department (AFD).

Multiple streets in the vicinity, including Garden Rose, Kirkoswald, and a section of Blue Goose Road, have been blocked off to traffic as crews work to contain the blaze. As of now, no injuries have been reported, and details on the fire’s size or the potential causes remain unclear.

According to meteorologists, Central Texas is experiencing high winds, with gusts reaching between 40 to 50 mph, contributing to the fire’s spread. A Red Flag Warning is currently in effect for the region from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, highlighting the extreme fire danger due to gusty winds, low relative humidity, and dry soil conditions.

While the fire has not affected the nearby Bluebonnet Trail Elementary, Manor Independent School District has canceled after-school activities due to power outages impacting the campus. Austin Energy reported that around 1,400 customers in the area are currently without power as a result of the weather conditions.

AFD officials stated that crews are working diligently to douse the flames and address hot spots. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by wildfires during the dry season in Texas, which has seen a string of similar events in recent weeks. Fire safety officials urge residents to stay vigilant and adhere to safety protocols during periods of extreme fire danger.