Miscommunication and uncertainty plagued Hays County as wildfires led to confusing evacuation orders and alerts that lacked clarity, with residents struggling to understand the situation.

Residents were left to speculate about an "ongoing incident" nearby. At least two wildfires prompted evacuations.

The largest, dubbed the Onion Creek Fire, burned a total of 174 acres but it did not impact any structures or cause any injuries, according to the Hays County Office of Emergency Management.