Urgent Grassfire Closes County Road 143 at I-35 in Texas

URGENT UPDATE: A large grassfire is currently raging in the northern part of Williamson County, causing significant disruptions. As of Tuesday, October 17, 2023, officials have closed County Road 143 at its intersection with Interstate 35.

The blaze has prompted the closure of both the 600 block of County Road 143 east and west of I-35, according to an official social media post from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. While details on the extent of the fire are still emerging, authorities have not yet disclosed the number of acres affected.

In response to the escalating situation, the Austin/San Antonio bureau of the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for this area, signaling heightened conditions for rapid and dangerous wildfire growth. Officials have warned that this week’s combination of gusty winds and dry conditions elevates the wildfire danger across Central Texas.

Residents in the area are urged to stay vigilant and avoid the affected roads as emergency crews respond to control the situation. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

This developing story underscores the urgent need for caution in wildfire-prone areas, especially given the ongoing weather conditions that favor fire spread. Stay tuned for further updates as authorities continue to monitor and manage the situation.

For those in the vicinity, please share this information to keep the community informed and safe.