Editor's note: This article has been updated to include the most recent acreage and containment percentage for the Parmer Lane brush fire.

Updated 10:24 a.m.

A brush fire that broke out in Cedar Park on Aug. 8 decreased from 50 to 37 acres and was 70% contained as 9:09 a.m. Aug. 10, according to city officials. There has been no forward movement with the fire since 8:15 a.m. Aug. 9, when the 50-acre fire was 60% contained.

Current situation

Local emergency responders were continuing to work toward completely containing the fire with assistance from Texas A&M Forest Services bulldozers, which are creating a containment line around the perimeter to prevent the fire from spreading, Cedar Park fire Chief James Mallinger said Aug. 9.


Firefighting efforts will persist through the next several days until conditions are safe again, city officials said Aug. 10.

Many residents who were asked to evacuate the area have now returned home, and disaster relief organizations are providing services to those impacted.

The city is asking and encouraging residents to:
  • Conserve water by not watering outdoors through the morning of Aug. 11.
  • Donate to the Parmer Lane Fire Recovery Fund to support affected residents.
  • Support the American Red Cross's disaster relief efforts.
  • Avoid the area near the fire on West Parmer Lane and East Whitestone Boulevard.
The northbound side of West Parmer Lane remains closed from East Whitestone Boulevard to Ranch Trails.

What happened


The fire broke out around 6 p.m. Aug. 8 out near the Bexley at Silverado apartment complex at 12820 W. Parmer Lane and completely destroyed one 24-unit apartment building, city officials said. Two other buildings were partially damaged with two units experiencing fire damage in one building and 12 units in another.

Firefighters were able to protect Whitestone Landing Townhomes, located at 3240 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park, according to the city.

The 50-acre wildfire began as a grass fire, spread to trees and then reached the Bexley apartment buildings, Mallinger said.

Residents at Bexley, Whitestone Landing Townhomes and nearby businesses were asked to evacuate, including about 300 apartment units and 95 townhomes. As of press time, there were zero injuries.


Mallinger said residents of Bexley and Whitestone Landing were allowed to return home on the morning of Aug. 9, except for residents of the one destroyed building.

Pedernales Electric Cooperative had restored power to nine of the Bexley apartment buildings and was working toward restoring power for one of the partially damaged buildings as of late afternoon Aug. 9.

What you need to know

Shelter and services form the American Red Cross are available at Hill Country Bible Church, 12124 Ranch Road 620 N., Austin, for residents in need of assistance or by calling 800-733-2767. The Austin Disaster Relief Network will provide hygiene kits, Hope Family Thrift Store vouchers and additional supplies for evacuated residents, and is accepting clothing donations at 13801 Burnet Road, Ste. 200, Austin.


The city has collaborated with the Central Texas Community Foundation with a goal of raising $100,000 for residents impacted by the fire. Click here to donate to the Parmer Lane Fire Recovery Fund.

Residents are being asked to conserve water and not water their lawns through the morning of Aug. 11 to allow the city's water tanks to refill so firefighters can continue to respond to the scene, Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin said. He also encouraged residents to support the American Red Cross and look for ways to protect their homes from wildfire damage.

"Fire climbs like a ladder. A small grass fire comes through the trees and potentially into your home," Penniman-Morin said in a video posted to social media. "Please do what you can to look around your home, identify any potential sources of fire and mitigate those."

Stay tuned


The CPPD will continue to provide updates on X, formerly known as Twitter, as they are available, according to the department.

The city will provide another media briefing Aug. 11, city officials said.

This is a developing story and will be updated with new information.