Southern Travis County fire contained but continues to smoke

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Department says drivers should expect to continue to see smoke along I-35 in southern Travis County today as they mop up a brush fire that broke out Saturday.

AFD says the 50-acre brush fire just west of I-35 at Onion Creek started Saturday afternoon after sparks from contractors grinding on a metal fence post ignited a brush pile.

Firefighters tell us wind, high temperatures and low humidity made the fire difficult to fight. AFD says the fire is completely contained now, but large brush piles left over from flood cleanup continue to smolder, so drivers should expect to see smoke today and possibly longer as they clear the area.

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Old San Antonio Road was shut down in both directions at FM 1626 while responders with the Austin Fire Department along with the Manchaca Fire Department, Travis County Fire, Westlake Fire, STAR Flight and Texas Forest Service put out the fire. All roads have re-opened.

No structures were burned and no evacuations were needed, but AFD said it’s important for residents near Old San Antonio and Onion Creek Parkway to remain alert.

Because emergency dispatchers are receiving multiple smoke odor calls about the fire, the Austin Fire Department asks that the public not call 911 unless they see fire or smell smoke inside a structure.