By Charles McClure
news@ltview.com
A downed electric line sparked a 45 acre fire on the Holmes Ranch Monday, according to the Pedernales Fire Department.

The ranch is located just off Bee Creek Road.
Crews from seven different departments converged on the scene to battle the blaze, according to Mary Christopher, a spokesperson for PFD.
“We have had crews out all night,” Christopher said. “We have brought in extra people and are keeping an eye on it.”
Christopher said firefighters had managed to contain the fire, but crews were still on the scene at the Lake Travis View’s presstime on Tuesday.
“It is still smoldering in some places,” Christopher said. “We are fortunate that no structures caught fire.”
The fact that no homes were damaged can be attributed to quick action of firefighters, under the direction of PFD.
“Our power went out in this neighborhood about 1:50 p.m.,” said Teri Hewitt, a resident who lives near the area where the fire started. “A volunteer firefighter who works with the Pedernales Fire Department called us that an electric line had sparked a fire on the Holmes Ranch and that we should be careful.”
An extended heat wave combined with dry vegetation meant there was ample fuel to kindle the blaze, and the fire spread quickly, according to residents of the area who gathered to watch the fire from a hilltop home off Thurman Bend Road.
““The fire department was really good to wake up the residents and alert them about the fire,” and alert them about the fire,’ said resident Lee Fugett. “But this is a tough area for a wildfire. The winds have a way of circulating in the canyon below. They are very unpredictable.”
The residents were extremely concerned when the fire jumped a ridge that separated the ranch from the Village of Briarcliff, but the alert firefighters kept the flames in check.
“Most of our department’s volunteers were out there as well,” Christopher said. “We have some great volunteers in our community.”
In addition to PDF, the Austin Fire Department, Lake Travis Fire-Rescue, Cedar Park Fire Department and CE-Bar Volunteer Fire Department sent assistance. StarFlight helicopters scooped water from Lake Travis, dumping it on the most critical areas of the fire.
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services sent a Rehabilitation Unit and provided water, ice and towels for firefighters battling the heat from the fire. Highland Lakes Conference Center at Pace Bend Park and Chick fil-A on RR 620 also provided firefighters with food and beverages.
Christopher said the department had no idea why the electric line broke, but that there would be a subsequent investigation once the department was certain the fire was completely doused.