The Wurstfest grounds in New Braunfels has had two incidents of fire this week, according to the San Antonio Current. Damage at the grounds for this annual celebration are likely to be tens of thousands of dollars, according to a report by News 4 San Antonio.
Sources indicate that fire crews responded to the Wurstfest grounds in New Braunfels first on Thursday evening (November 14, 2019). That fire was said to be contained to the historic Marktplatz and Wursthalle area (otherwise known as the food court) and was subsequently extinguished.
Photo: Facebook/Downtown New Braunfels
Following that, at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Friday, November 15, 2019, the Marktplatz area was again the setting for a larger fire to which multiple fire departments responded. It was reported that fire, smoke, and water damage were sustained at the grounds, and the roof of Markplatz collapsed. In addition, Wursthalle has suffered heat damage, but its structural integrity remains intact. No injuries have been reported. In the meantime, the Comal River has been temporarily closed resulting from materials from the fire making their way into runoff water. The fires are presently under investigation by local authorities who have advised residents to steer clear of the area.
The New Braunfels Downtown Association posted news about these two Wurstfest grounds blazes to its Facebook page saying, “Our town is sad this morning as @wurstfest grounds are on fire. Please say a prayer for our first responders as they fight this fire today.” Images of the fires, with smoke being seen from a considerable distance, were also shared with their post.
Wurstfest began as a small festival celebrating Wursts (“sausages” in German) in 1961, and has grown to one of the largest annual Hill Country festivals of its kind. The 10-day event supports local New Braunfels businesses as well as the area’s culture and heritage, and it has blossomed into a full-blown German-culture-and-food-focused event, drawing crowds from across the U.S.
