Fire crews in Gillespie County and Texas A&M Forest Service are continuing to battle the large blaze that began Saturday at around 1 p.m.

The Crabapple Fire has put most parts of Central and South Texas under a "Red Flag Warning" as strong gusts of wind move throughout the region, breeding favorable fire conditions. Smoke billowing out of the blaze has been seen as far east as Bee Cave, Austin and Bastrop.

The Crabapple Fire has burned thousands of acres in Gillespie County in just over 32 hours. As of 9 p.m. March 16, the fire burned 9,500 acres and is 55 percent contained. There is not a mandatory evacuation in place;