Download & Print
An aircraft drops fire retardant on the Saddle Fire off Hunters Road.
Courtesy Photo
March 15, 2025
Seventeen-acre blaze destroys homes, cause under investigation
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
A 17-acre fire off Roundup Trail near Elm Pass Road was brought under control yesterday through the collaborative efforts of Bandera County volunteer firefighters and multiple agencies. By state count, 11 structures were destroyed, displacing several families, Fire Marshal Jason Rutherford said, adding no injuries were reported.
Rutherford said the fire started on Roundup Trail off Hunters Road, and traveled to Pony Road and Saddle Drive. Aid from the Texas Forest Service, the Texas Interstate Fire Municipal Aid System and the Texas Department of Emergency Management helped bring the fire under control. Responding volunteer fire departments included Bandera, Pipe Creek, Castle Lake, Lake Shore, Centerpoint, Medina, Vanderpool and Tarpley.
“We were able to use resources provided by the state, which helped us a lot,” Rutherford said.
Numerous pets were able to escape, Rutherford said, describing dogs running from the fire-affected areas.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A second grass fire reported yesterday on FM 3240 at the solar farm was quickly brought under control by firefighters en route to the Saddle fire. Rutherford said he would follow up on the cause of that fire, as well.
Some families whose homes were destroyed are receiving aid from the Silver Sage. Executive Director Art Crawford said monetary donations to help pay for temporary housing are most needed. Donations may be made in person or online at www.silversage.org, click on Donate Now, and check the Benevolence Box.
Rutherford said the fire started on Roundup Trail off Hunters Road, and traveled to Pony Road and Saddle Drive. Aid from the Texas Forest Service, the Texas Interstate Fire Municipal Aid System and the Texas Department of Emergency Management helped bring the fire under control. Responding volunteer fire departments included Bandera, Pipe Creek, Castle Lake, Lake Shore, Centerpoint, Medina, Vanderpool and Tarpley.
“We were able to use resources provided by the state, which helped us a lot,” Rutherford said.
Numerous pets were able to escape, Rutherford said, describing dogs running from the fire-affected areas.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A second grass fire reported yesterday on FM 3240 at the solar farm was quickly brought under control by firefighters en route to the Saddle fire. Rutherford said he would follow up on the cause of that fire, as well.
Some families whose homes were destroyed are receiving aid from the Silver Sage. Executive Director Art Crawford said monetary donations to help pay for temporary housing are most needed. Donations may be made in person or online at www.silversage.org, click on Donate Now, and check the Benevolence Box.