Grass Fire Closes County Road 143, Urgent Red Flag Warning Issued

URGENT UPDATE: A significant grass fire has forced the closure of part of County Road 143 at Interstate 35 in northern Williamson County as of Tuesday, October 17, 2023. The fire is reported in the 600 block of CR 143, where authorities have restricted access due to rapidly spreading flames.

According to a social media post from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, CR 143 is currently closed at its junction with I-35. The closure extends to the west of I-35 in the same block. As of now, officials have not disclosed the extent of the fire or the number of acres affected.

The Austin/San Antonio bureau of the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the area today, highlighting conditions that are ripe for swift and dangerous wildfire growth. Central Texas is experiencing heightened wildfire danger this week due to strong winds and extremely dry conditions.

Authorities are urging residents in the vicinity to remain alert and follow safety protocols as firefighters tackle the blaze. With winds contributing to the flames’ spread, community safety is at the forefront of responders’ efforts.

Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops. The potential for further closures and increased fire activity remains high, and officials advise all residents to monitor local news and official announcements closely.