AUSTIN (KXAN) — Firefighters continue to battle the Crabapple Fire near Fredericksburg. The fire has burned more than 9,700 acres, prompting evacuations in Gillespie County. Smoke from the fire was blown into the Austin metro area over the weekend, as strong winds persisted.

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.

Strong winds are pushing smoke and ash from the Crabapple Fire near Fredricksburg east toward Austin, according to the National Weather Service.