Blanco County fire burned through 1,500 acres

BLANCO, Texas (KXAN) -- Blanco County ranchers are grateful for the quick team work that squelched a 1,500-acre brush fire that covered an area 2.5 miles wide to 1.5 miles long.

"They did a super job on picking up water. Since we had tanks close, they didn't have to go far, and they could drop in rugged country that we couldn't reach even with four-wheel drive. And the forest service did a jam-up job with the two dozers," said Blanco County rancher Tommy Sultemeier.

The fire, just north of Johnson City, flared up Wednesday and was fueled by wind gusts until it was brought under control Thursday.

The Texas Forest Service provided a spotter plane to report hot-spots, and helicopter crews helped the eight departments on the ground with water drops.

Investigators said they believe a welder accidentally sparked the blaze.