Massive Wildfire Threatens Bastrop and Central Texas
Posted: 09-05-11Category:
A massive Texas Wildfire has broken out in Bastrop County in Central Texas which is threatening as many as 1000 homes. As of 10:00 p.m. Monday evening, the fire was over 20 miles long and at least four miles wide. Homeowners in the Bastrop area have been asked to evacuate and have been instructed to pack for as many as 7 days out of their homes. Affected citizens who are evacuating are being asked to call (512) 581-4022 to report that you are safe. The Texas Interstate Fire Mutual Aid System has been activated. It has been reported that hundreds of homes have already been destroyed by the fire. As of September 8, 2011, the Bastrop Complex fire had burned over 35,000 acres and destroyed as many as 1367 homes, according to the Texas Forest Service. The fires have now spread to Grimes, Waller, and Montgomery Counties where they have caused extensive damage. Wildfires spread across the state over the Labor Day Weekend, sparking blazes in Hayes County, Travis County, Bastrop County, Spicewood, Steiner Ranch, and in numerous other locations. As of 9:45 p.m. on Labor Day, RED CROSS shelters had been opened for evacuated residents at the following locations:- Vandergrift High School, 9500 McNeil Drive, Austin, TX
- Bastrop Middle School, 709 Old Austin hwy, Bastrop, TX
- Smithville Recreation Center, 106 Royston Street, Smithville, TX