CEDAR PARK, Texas — Crews continue to respond to a 37-acre brush fire in Cedar Park near Parmer Lane and Whitestone Boulevard.
As of 8 p.m. Thursday, the Texas A&M Forest Service's incident viewer map shows that the "Parmer Lane Fire" is 100% contained after burning an estimated 37 acres. The service said statewide crews have been released and the fire has transitioned back to the local unit.
The number of acres burned has decreased from the original report of 120 acres and a secondary report of 50 acres. Those estimates were based on "initial visual observation," according to Williamson County officials, but crews have since provided a more accurate size.
More than 20 agencies and several hundred firefighters from multiple agencies were on the scene near 12820 W. Parmer Lane, at the Bexley at Silverado apartment complex near Whitestone Boulevard. Officials said one apartment building at the Bexley complex, Building 10, is a total loss. Buildings 9, 11 and 12 are partially damaged.
Officials said crews were able to protect the nearby Whitestone Landing Townhomes from the fire, which started as a grass fire just after 6 p.m. Tuesday before spreading to the apartment complex.
Only two minor injuries have been reported.
Cedar Park police said approximately 300 apartment units, 95 townhomes and multiple businesses were evacuated.
The Texas A&M Forest Service was called in to assist in containing the fire and creating containment lines with dozers. Helicopters could be seen in the area Tuesday, dropping water on the fire.
Firefighting operations continued Wednesday. Multiple response units were on the scene from Cedar Park, as well as other local and state agencies. The Texas A&M Fire Service also continued to help via aviation resources.
Photos and videos from witnesses show flames and large clouds of smoke coming from the area of the apartment complex. The City of Cedar Park also shared drone video of the area:
Cedar Park officials said Wednesday morning that Bexley and Whitestone Landing residents could access their units and homes, with the exception of residents who lived in Building 10. Residents of Buildings 11 and 12 will have limited access.
Officials also said Wednesday morning that Pedernales Electric Cooperative would be working to restore power to the buildings.
The Red Cross continues to assist those impacted or displaced by the fire. The organization said that it assisted seven people for a short time overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, but that "it seemed like most residents had a place to go for the night, which we are thankful for."
The Red Cross' evacuation center at the Hill Country Bible Church, located at 3351 Little Elm Trail in Cedar Park, remained open Wednesday as the organization continued to work with displaced residents. Anyone who has been affected by this wildfire can call 1-800-RedCross.
A fundraiser has been started to help residents with recovery.
Cedar Park officials said the public should continue to avoid the area and adjacent roadways, including East Whitestone Boulevard and West Parmer Lane, as well as surrounding roadways. The northbound outside lane of West Parmer continues to be closed from Ranch Trails to East Whitestone Boulevard as of Wednesday morning.
Cedar Park residents are also asked to conserve water while firefighting efforts are underway. Residents are asked to refrain from outdoor watering and irrigation through Friday morning.
The only people who should be in the area of the fire are those who live in the Bexley complex or the Whitestone Landing neighborhood. The public is asked to stay away and allow first responders to work.