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Fire crews from across the region are fighting a large grass fire north of Fredericksburg that has spread to more than 8,640 acres.

The blaze near Lower Crabapple Road started around 1:45 p.m. Saturday, with smoke blowing as far as Austin.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reported on Saturday night that the fire was 0% contained.

“At this point, there is no containment,” said Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell in a statement. “Our goal is to stop the forward progress with air support from TDEM and the Texas A&M Forest Service. Our crews are also working behind the fire to make sure embers do not cause more fires. Currently embers are flying up to a half of mile and causing more fires in the area. Our resources are working to protect structures.”

Officials asked the public to avoid the area.

Bizell said the fire started near 8700 Lower Crabapple Road and moved east across Highway 16 North. Anyone between Highway 16 North and FM 1631 and between Ranch Road 1323 and Ranch Road 2721 were asked to be prepared to evacuate.

A shelter is available at Faith Baptist Church at 3022 N State Highway for anyone who has been displaced.

A red flag warning was in effect for all of South Central Texas on Friday and Saturday because of high winds and prime conditions for wildfires in the area.

The National Weather Service reminded people to avoid any activities that could spark a wildfire, including outdoor burning or parking vehicles on dry grass. They also reminded smokers to properly dispose of cigarettes.

There are currently 31 wildfires in Texas affecting more than 40,956 acres, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

They include smaller fires in Llano, Bandera, Real, Duval, Hidalgo and Refugio counties.