Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

http://www.statesman.com/news/catastrophic-fires-burn-thousands-of-acres-force-evacuations-1820174.html
Catastrophic fires burn thousands of acres, force evacuations across Central Texas
Fires in Bastrop County, Spicewood, Steiner Ranch, Pflugerville, others driven by wind and dry conditions.
September 5, 2011

In a summer where brush fires have become a near-daily occurrence, firefighting officials said the multiple wildfires that raged across Central Texas on Sunday were the worst the region has seen all year.

Numerous wind-driven fires pushed fire departments to their limits and forced evacuations in Bastrop County, the Steiner Ranch subdivision, Pflugerville, Spicewood and other areas. Scores of residents were left wondering whether they had homes to return to as many of the fires continued to burn Sunday night.

The largest and most destructive fire was in Bastrop County, where a blaze burned 14,000 acres and grew to an estimated 16 miles long by the end of the day, said Mark Stanford, fire chief of the Texas Forest Service.

"It's catastrophic," Stanford said of the Bastrop County fire. "It's a major natural disaster."
More...

Edit to add year to subject line.  I hope there's no 2012.  MB

http://twitter.com/#!/statesman (http://twitter.com/#!/statesman)

statesman Austin Statesman
Officials in Leander reporting evacuations are underway on Moonglow and Honeysuckle Way. Please avoid that area. #centraltxfires
1 minute ago
Austin Statesman
statesman Austin Statesman
Latest updates: 476 homes destroyed in Bastrop, fire on Texas 71; Steiner Ranch still closed. bit.ly/pCVftB (http://bit.ly/pCVftB) #centraltxfires
3 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin (http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin)
YNNAustin YNN Austin
MT @txforestservice: Department of Public Safety just flew the Bastrop Fire and is showing it to be 25,000 acres with 476 homes destroyed.
57 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin (http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin)

renewedlife_9 Karen Johnson
NOT a joke///NOT funny! Heartbreaking upclose account "Strong winds whip up wildfires in central Texas" #centraltxfires cnn.com/2011/US/09/04/… (http://cnn.com/2011/US/09/04/…)
1 minute ago

http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin (http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin)

YNNAustin YNN Austin
Here's the latest update on the Bastrop fire: http://ow.ly/6m1e0 (http://ow.ly/6m1e0) Gov. Perry will be on site addressing the wildfires soon. Stay tuned!
4 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)

emmacapps Emma Capps
Fire near Ford Hood #centraltxfires twitpic.com/6gn802 (http://twitpic.com/6gn802)
2 minutes ago
Jody Schoger
jodyms Jody Schoger
RT @JeffAbbott #centraltxfires The sky in Bastrop looks like a volcanic eruption. As seen from space: 1.usa.gov/acDiyJ (http://1.usa.gov/acDiyJ) via @joniwatson
2 minutes ago
Jennifer Persinger
jp0473 Jennifer Persinger
F ... *another* fire springs up in Bastrop #centraltxfires
2 minutes ago
Timothy McDaniel
Tim_the_Aggie Timothy McDaniel
Texas is burning right now Everyone, please pray for all those involved. #centraltxfires
2 minutes ago
R. Soto
RaGinalicious R. Soto
Evacuations taking place in #Leander #centralTXfires
3 minutes ago
»
Robert Quigley
robquig Robert Quigley
Just unbelievable .... Bastrop fires via @calebthefox: instagr.am/p/MR59O/ (http://instagr.am/p/MR59O/) #centraltxfires
3 minutes ago
Brandon Roy
HMMADNESS Brandon Roy
Positive thoughts and hopes out to the people dealing with the #centraltxfires now.
3 minutes ago
Community Impact
impactnews Community Impact
Updated info on Steiner Ranch Fire: 24 homes destroyed, 30 damaged http://ow.ly/6m1iS  (http://ow.ly/6m1iS)#centraltxfires #txfires
3 minutes ago

RaklGps Tony
#leanderfire #centraltxfires seen from Cedar Park, 3-4 miles south @KXAN_News @KVUE lockerz.com/s/136185636 (http://lockerz.com/s/136185636)
1 minute ago
Scott Mowry
scottmowry Scott Mowry
RT @txstormchasers: #BASTROP FIRE: Smoke extending down to the Gulf of Mexico. IMAGE: txwx.co/mQ1xoF (http://txwx.co/mQ1xoF) #txfire #centraltxfires
1 minute ago
Jennifer Beale
JENinATX Jennifer Beale
@GovernorPerry #centraltxfires #txfires press conference on now
1 minute ago
Candice Roush
cgroush Candice Roush
RT @impactnews_ltw: Updated info on Steiner Ranch Fire: 24 homes destroyed, 30 damaged http://ow.ly/6m1l7 (http://ow.ly/6m1l7) #centraltxfires #txfires
1 minute ago

Per Austin ynn tv - There are 23 major fires burning in Texas right now.


http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280314/bastrop-fire-has--grown-considerably---476-homes-destroyed
Bastrop fire has 'grown considerably,' 476 homes destroyed
September 5 2011
Video at Link

http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280317/fire-in-cedar-creek-forces-more-evacuations
Fire in Cedar Creek forces more evacuations

September 5 2011
Photos at Link

http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280316/pedernales-fire-one-at-6-400-acres--80-percent-contained
Pedernales Fire One at 6,400 acres, 80 percent contained
September 5, 2011
Video at Link

http://twitter.com/#!/statesman (http://twitter.com/#!/statesman)

statesman Austin Statesman
RT @utscott15: central Texas fires from plane yfrog.com/h6i7vdlnj (http://yfrog.com/h6i7vdlnj) #centraltxfires
2 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News (http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News)

KXAN_News KXAN News
Caldwell fire: 6000 acres. 200 homes save. 6 homes lost. 20 percent contained. Located near Spanish Oaks/Old Colony. #txfire
5 minutes ago

KXAN_News KXAN News
Fayette Co fire: 7 miles north north east of of La Grange. 30 homes threatened, 7 homes lost. 50 percent contained. #txfire
7 minutes ago
KXAN News
KXAN_News KXAN News
Pflugerville fire: Intersection of Pfluger and Willow streets. Threanted 192 homes. 45 % contained at this point. #txfire
8 minutes ago

 ::MonkeyAngel:: Muffy, been worrying hope you are safe.

I'm safe for now, but I have my car backed to the garage, ready to load if need be.  Got all the dog harnesses & leashes laid out for the hounds, sherpa bags ready for the little yorkies,  small bird cages ready, plastic shoe box with holes in it for the two tortoises, bag with passports, meds & etc. Naturally husband is out of town, but one son is here to help if need be.  Hopefully we won't have to go, because my SIL is on her way here with her 2 chi's and weinie dog, since they were give 30 min. to evacuate where they live.   My brother wants to stay there on ranch with the big animals.  Scarey stuff.  I can see the smoke from Pedernales fire & it was smokey here last night, but clearer now.  Just crazy stuff.  Fires everywhere. We're okay, but some people have lost everything.  Hope everyone stays safe through this.

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)
samlerma Sam Lerma
WOW! RT @txstormchasers: Amazing photo of Downtown Austin with the Bastrop Fire in the background. txwx.co/reP6wt (http://txwx.co/reP6wt) #centraltxfires
9 minutes ago
(http://deannaroy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/austin-fire.jpg)
Photo credit:  deannaroy.com

http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/09/05/3338502/massive-fire-still-raging-outside.html
Massive fire still raging outside of Austin
September 5, 2011

BASTROP - Firefighters from across the state swarmed into Central Texas on Labor Day to combat devastating wildfires that left hundreds homeless and prompted Gov. Rick Perry to abruptly return from a scheduled East Coast political appearance.

At least 476 homes were destroyed in a massive Bastrop County fire that raged into second day after erupting on Sunday. Just over 50 miles to the east, fires also forced the evacuation of residents from an affluent subdivision near Lake Travis in the Austin Hill Country.
 ::snipping2::
Fueled by gusting winds - some stemming from Tropical Storm Lee - and drought conditions, the fires in Bastrop County stretched across more than 25,000 acres just a few miles outside of town, sending a towering cloud of gray smoke arching across the horizon. Up to 5,000 residents from largely rural neighborhoods were evacuated, but there were no reports of fatalities or injuries.
 ::snipping2::
Although Bastrop County was the scene of the worst outbreak, fires also destroyed at least 25 homes in the Steiner Ranch subdivision of Travis County, a picturesque hill country development just a few miles from Lake Travis, and forced the evacuation of 1,000 homes. About 20 homes were destroyed in a fire that spread across 7,000 acres southeast of Spicewood, another Travis County community, said officials.

Over the weekend, the Texas Forest Service responded to 63 new fires that have burned approximately 32,936 acres, including new fires in Bastrop, Travis, Henderson, Limestone, Caldwell and Colorado counties, among others, according to the governor's office. The forest service was also battling existing wildfires, including major fires in Palo Pinto, Briscoe, Coryell and Montague counties.

The fire in Bastrop County ignited from unknown origins and spread southwestward, eventually combining with another fire. Pine trees that have given the area the nickame, The Lost Pines, contributed to the fires, officials said, explaining that dried pine needles apparently fueled the flames.

Although the worst devastation occurred east of Bastrop, a new threat erupted late Monday morning in the Cedar Creek neighborhood west of town when wildfires spread through dried brush and grass, forcing the evacuation of dozens of homeowners. Fire officials said the fires were apparently started by a downed power line that touched off a grass fire.
 ::snipping2::
Since the beginning of wildfire season, local and state firefighters have responded to more than 20,900 fires that have destroyed more than 1,000 homes and burned more than 3.6 million acres, accordoing to the governor's office. Perry has reissued his disaster proclamation nine times this wildfire season. It was originally issued on Dec. 21, 2010.

http://www.kutnews.org/post/bastrop-state-park-burns-historic-buildings-saved
Bastrop State Park Burns, Historic Buildings Saved
September 5, 2011

The massive wildfire tearing through Bastrop County has scorched two-thirds or more of the 6,000 acre Bastrop State Park. But Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials say they have made substantial progress in an effort to save historic buildings in the park.

Many of Texas state parks were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a Depression-era job creation program. As such, the cabins, a refectory, and other structures at Bastrop State Park are considered historic.  Texas Parks and Wildlife has this on-line exhibit with more on the history of the 1930s effort to construct state parks.   
 ::snipping2::
And while you may mourn the loss of thousands of acres of pine trees in the park, officials say wildfires are actually part of the natural cycle of life for the protected habitat.

“As long as personal property and lives are not lost, the land actually benefits from these burns, as bizarre as that seems,” Texas Parks and Wildlife spokesman Mike Cox told KUT News. “Once it starts raining again, the pine trees will come back and the park probably will be more verdant than ever.”
Video at Link

http://img.ibtimes.com/www/articles/20110906/209153_500-homes-ravaged-5000-evacuated-as-wildfires-engulf-texas-firefighter-two-killed-bastrop-county-pos.htm
500 Homes Ravaged, 5000 Evacuated as Wildfires Engulf Texas (PHOTOS)
September 6, 2011

A roaring wildfire stormed in Texas on Monday destroying nearly 500 homes. The fire was accelerated by the roaring winds, remnants of Tropical Storm Lee.

The wildfire destroyed hundreds of home and at least 5,000 people were forced to leave their homes in Bastrop County east of Austin and about 400 were in emergency shelters, officials said. At least two people died in the wildfire, officials said.

At least 476 homes were destroyed in the fire that raged into the second day after erupting on Sunday, state officials said on Monday.

Bastrop a town of about 6,000 people was covered with huge clouds of smoke into the sky.

The Bastrop fire is one of more than sixty fires that have erupted in drought-ridden Texas from Possum Kingdom Lake in Palo Pinto County to a swath of Central Texas not far from the state's capital city of Austin, reports the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The fire has also burned more than 25,000 acres (10,100 hectares) in Bastrop County, making it the worst-ever single fire in the state. In addition, 251 of the 254 Texas counties are reporting burn bans.

"I'm still seeing no containment," said April Saginor, public information officer for the Texas Forest Service, who confirmed that the Bastrop County Complex Fire has scorched more than 25,000 acres, reports Reuters.

About 250 firefighters were trying to control the fire that stretches for 16 miles with a breadth of six miles in some spots. A Type 1 incident management team has been requested to assist at the Bastrop County Complex.

Wildfires burning across Texas were fueled by drought conditions and strong winds generated by Tropical Storm Lee.

While Bastrop County was the scene of the biggest fire, the roaring flames devastated 25 homes in the Steiner Ranch subdivision of Travis County and forced the evacuation of more than 1,000 homes.

Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for various parts of Bastrop and also Travis County, where Austin is located. About 20 homes were destroyed in a fire that spread across 7,000 acres southeast of Spicewood, another Travis County community, said officials.

All school-related activities in Bastrop were canceled on Monday.

A 20-year-old woman and her 18-month-old daughter in Gladewater died when wildfire devastated their home on Sunday.
 ::snipping2::

Photos at Link

http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/09/05/3338576/firefighters-keep-possum-kingdom.html
Firefighters keeping blazes at bay at Possum Kingdom Lake
September 5, 2011

Emergency crews working to extinguish wildfires around Possum Kingdom Lake were able to keep blazes from spreading Monday, despite strong winds that caused some flare-ups.

"All of the lines have been holding," said April Phillips, a public information officer with the Texas Forest Service. "The winds have died down, and things are looking a lot better right now."

Strong winds and relatively low humidity because of Tropical Storm Lee, which was downgraded to a tropical depression, helped stoke blazes in other areas of the state, burning thousands of acres in Central and East Texas, destroying homes and buildings, and claiming the life of a 20-year-old woman and her child in Gladewater, near Longview.

Phillips said the Possum Kingdom Lake fire held steady at 85 percent containment after burning more than 6,555 acres and destroying more than 40 homes and RVs.
 ::snipping2::
n East Texas, a fast-moving fire is believed to have killed a woman and her child who couldn't get out of their home fast enough.

Greg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano told the news media that a 20-year-old woman and her child were found dead in their trailer home near Gladewater, about 150 miles east of Fort Worth. He also said a man who lives in the home was somewhat burned but able to escape.

He searched for the woman and child but didn't find them. They were found dead near the bathroom, The Associated Press reported.
 ::snipping2::

There were over 60 active fires yesterday in Texas, and I'm very surprised there haven't been more deaths or injuries.  We may not know for a while whether there are more, but one death is too many, let alone the death of a child, imo.   ::MonkeyTears::

http://www.ktbs.com/news/29082573/detail.html
East Texas fires turn deadly
Wind-driven fire kills woman, child in Gladewater, Texas
September 5, 2011

GLADEWATER, Texas -- In what longtime Gregg County, Texas Sheriff Maxey Cerliano called the fastest-moving fire he's ever seen, six homes were destroyed within minutes on Sunday, including a mobile home where a woman and her 18-month-old daughter were killed because they couldn't escape in time.

Before the fire had passed, neighbors said, more homes on the road were destroyed.
 ::snipping2::
Valerie McBride, 20, and her child died between Liberty City and Gladewater.
 ::snipping2::

This is just one of the many fires that are burning, and because some fires are so big, these smaller ones don't make it anywhere but local news.  The current fires can ignite again, and need to continue being monitored.  There are many volunteer fire departments in Texas, and due to the fires so far this year, they have been stretched to their limits and beyond.  Some volunteer fire fighters have been using their own money for supplies and gas for the trucks and equipment.  Fish fries and other fundraisers only go so far. 

http://www.gonzalescannon.com/node/6404
Gonzales, area firefighters may have contained Delhi fire
September 5, 2011

Gonzales and area firefighters using heavy equipment may finally have contained the Caldwell County wildfire near Delhi after the blaze consumed more than 1,000 acres.
The Delhi Fire scorched several hundred acres late Sunday evening before firefighters were able to slow its advance late in the evening with the aid of bulldozers plowing a ditch ahead of the advancing flames. Even though the fire had slowed, it was reported to be only 10 percent contained.

The blaze re-erupted Monday afternoon, whipped by strong gusty winds, and at one point firefighters used bulldozers and road graders to cut a trench in advance of the blaze as it approached County Road 304 just south of the Delhi Community Center. Gonzales County Sheriff's deputies later closed 304 to all northbound traffic as fears grew the fire had jumped the road, but the trenches apparently held the fire's advance.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.gonzalescannon.com/node/6400
State officials battling hundreds of blazes around Texas
September 5, 2011

State officials moved swiftly Sunday and Monday to react to wildfires which sprang up all over the state.  The Texas Forest Service responded to 63 new fires Sunday which burned 32,936 acres, including 22 new large fires.
 ::snipping2::
Here is a statewide look at the major fires around Texas. Note: Details on many fires are still unconfirmed.
BASTROP COUNTY COMPLEX, Bastrop County. 14,000 acres, no containment. Heavy airtankers and single-engine airtankers assisted on this fire that started in the Lost Pines area just northeast of Bastrop. The fire has moved unchecked for at least 16 miles to the south and has jumped the Colorado River twice. The Circle D, K.C. Estates, Pine Forest, Colovista and Tahitian Village subdivision have been evacuated. Firefighters are trying to hold the fire at FM 2571. Reports indicate possibly 300 homes have been destroyed. MODIS satellite image indicates the fire has jumped Highway 95 and is approximately 25,000 acres.

STEINER RANCH, Travis County. 150 acres, no containment. The fire started just north of the Steiner Ranch subdivision. More than 1,000 homes are under mandatory evacuation in Steiner Ranch. At least 25 homes are reported lost. A Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System strike team responded.

PEDERNALES BEND, Travis County. 7,000 acres, unknown containment. The fire is burning four miles southeast of Spicewood. Twenty homes were lost, 30 homes damaged.

HENDERSON #495, Henderson County. 5,000 acres, unknown containment. Three homes were saved.

#491, Limestone County. 3,000 acres, unknown containment. Six homes were saved and one was lost on this fire 20 miles east of Waco.

DELHI, Caldwell County. 1,000 acres, 10 percent contained. Twenty homes were saved and six were lost on this fire east of Lockhart.

BAILEY, Colorado County. 1,000 acres, unknown containment. This fast-moving fire threatened 40 homes near Columbus. Blackhawks, single-engine airtankers and a heavy airtanker assisted.

MOORE, Smith County. 927 acres, 5 percent contained. Ten homes were evacuated and five were lost on this fire burning on the Smith/Gregg County line. Two civilian fatalities were reported.

#545, Upshur County. 500 acres, 50 percent contained. One hundred homes were saved; none lost. The fire is burning East of Gilmer.

LUTHERHILL, Fayette County. 2,000 acres, unknown containment. The community of Ruttersville was evacuated. Seven homes are reported lost.

BONBIEW RANCH, Van Zandt County. 350 acres, unknown containment. Twenty homes were saved southeast of Canton.

CLEMANIS, Upshur County. 400 acres, 85 percent contained. Twenty homes were saved.

#543, Gregg County. 300 acres, unknown containment. Numerous homes were saved, none lost.

#538, Harrison County. 200 acres, contained. One hundred fifty homes were evacuated in a trailer park east of Longview.

#502, Nacogdoches County. 200 acres, unknown containment. More than a dozen homes have been evacuated, but none lost.

#841, Houston County. 200 acres, unknown containment. Fifteen homes were threatened east of Crockett.

PLEASANT GREEN ROAD, Gregg County. 150 acres, contained. Numerous homes evacuated and saved south of Longview.

KENNEDY ROAD, Rusk County. 150 acres, unknown containment. Numerous homes threatened, one lost.

HODDE, Travis County. 325 acres, contained. Two hundred homes were evacuated and saved east of Pflugerville. No homes reported lost.

PETTYTOWN, Caldwell County. 200 acres, 90 percent contained. Twenty homes were saved east of Lockhart.

OLD MAGNOLIA, Gregg County. 100 acres, unknown containment. No homes threatened. Two fuel tanks exploded.

SOUTH SULPHER, Hunt County. 100 acres, 70 percent contained. Five homes were threatened and two were destroyed.

#839, Leon County (Concord Robbins). 100 acres, unknown containment. At least 15 homes are reported lost and more than 300 were evacuated.

Uncontained fires from previous days (more than 100 acres in timber, 300 acres in lighter fuels):

*Note: No current updates available except on the 101 Ranch Fire.

101 RANCH, Palo Pinto County. 6,555 acres, 75 percent contained. The fire is burning on the south side of Possum Kingdom Lake near the town of Brad. Thirty-nine homes and nine RVs have been reported destroyed.

CRAB PRAIRIE, Walker County. 977 acres, 90 percent contained. Numerous SEATs and helicopters, as well as National Guard bulldozers assisted. Two homes were reported to be lost.

HORNETS TANK, Briscoe County. 5,500 acres, 90 percent contained. The fire is burning in juniper and grass in rough terrain near Palo Duro Canyon.

CEDAR RIDGE, Bosque County. 903 acres, 75 percent contained.

3547 ROAD, Wise County. 400 acres, 80 percent contained. Approximately 60 homes were evacuated near this fast-moving fire. Five homes were lost.

JOHNSON (JACKSON) RANCH, Edwards County. 600 acres, 95 percent contained. Three homes were lost on this fire burning 27 miles northwest of Hunt.

BIG DRAW, Kimble County. 600 acres, 20 percent contained. Active fire behavior in heavy fuels and steep terrain was observed. Twenty homes are threatened.

RICK RANCH, Sutton County. 395 acres, 95 percent contained. The fire is burning 24 miles west of Junction.

JACK MOUNTAIN, Coryell County. 1,700 acres, 60 percent contained. The fire is burning five miles south of Gatesville on the Ft. Hood military reservation.

BUNDY ROSS RANCH, Edwards County. 600 acres, 75 percent contained. The fire is burning in juniper, grass and brush 7 miles southeast of Telegraph.

DOUBLE T, Menard County. 300 acres, 95 percent contained. The fire is burning 19 miles west of Brady.

PICKET RUN, Montague County. 1,100 acres, 90 percent contained. The fire is burning in tall grass 7 miles south of Bowie.

CEDAR TRUCK COMPLEX, Kimble County. 357 acres, 80 percent contained. Thirteen homes were saved on this fire burning just west of Fort McKavett. This was a combination of 34 different starts along a 24-mile stretch of highway.

COSTER, Hall County. 1,000 acres, 80 percent contained. Four homes were saved on this fire burning 26 miles northwest of Childress.

HORSESHOE BEND, Coryell County. 525 acres, 75 percent contained. The fire is burning 10 miles south of McGregor. National Guard Blackhawks assisted on the fire. Twelve homes were saved.
 

http://www.kvue.com/news/state/129253988.html
Dangerous wildfires burning across North Texas
September 5, 2011

Dangerous wildfires were popping up across North Texas and much of the rest of the state Sunday as gusty winds combined with tinder dry vegetation and low humidity conspired to create favorable conditions.

The Texas Forest Service said it was aware of 50 different range fires burning on Sunday.

Navarro County was hit particulary hard. At the peak, at least 10 fires were burning in and around the county seat of Corsicana.

"The fire right now is probably approaching 2,000 acres," Navarro County Judge H.M. Davenport Jr. told News 8 at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. "There's another fire as well in the Dawson area; we don't know the containment on that just yet."

Davenport acknowledged the additional problems being caused by the weather. "With the wind and the fuel levels, it's pretty tough — even with with all 25 volunteer fire departments in use right now," he said.

There were two big fires in Corsicana. One fire located at Oak and Roan destroyed eight structures.
 ::snipping2::
In Ellis County, multiple fires were reported along Interstate 45 and US 287.

Firefighters from 25 departments, including some volunteers, are involving in the firefighting effort. State resources have been requested.

A number of wildfires were reported in Cook County near Gainesville. A witness at the JK Bar & Grill told News 8 that a nearby building was ablaze and several streets were blocked off.

Other fires were reported in Dallas, Van Zandt, Rockwall and Cook counties on Sunday.
 ::snipping2::
Video and photo gallery at link.

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Wildfire-burns-near-Magnolia-2156862.php
Wildfire burns near Magnolia
September 6, 2011

Wildfires have burned more than 118,000 acres and destroyed at least 700 homes statewide, including a large blaze burning in forests in Montgomery, Waller and Grimes counties that has blackened thousands of acres, forced hundreds of residents to flee and shut down several roads and schools.

The blaze near Magnolia has charred 1,600 acres near FM 1488 and FM 1774, and flames are moving southwest, according to the Montgomery County Emergency Management. The leading edge of the fire is near Greenbriar Drive in the Walnut Bend area in Waller County, where firefighters have been able to contain the flames early Tuesday. But crews continue to try to gain the upper hand on the flames in nearby areas.[/b]
 ::snipping2::
The Bastrop County Complex blaze had charred at least 30,000 acres and appears to have destroyed at least 600 homes, according to the Texas Forest Service. The the fast-moving fire has jumped the Colorado River twice and forced the evacuation of The Circle D, K.C. Estates, Pine Forest, Colovista and Tahitian Village subdivisions.

At least two-thirds of the 6,000-acre Bastrop State Park have burned. The park is home to endangered Houston toads and several historic rock and stone buildings built in the 1930s and 1940s that officials are trying to protect, said Mike Cox of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
 ::snipping2::
Officials said the Pedernales Bend blaze is burning four miles southeast of Spicewood. The fire has blackened 7,000 acres and burned at least 67 homes. The blaze is 40 percent contained.

The 150-acre fire has forced the evacuation of 150 homes in Steiner Ranch, where Gov. Rick Perry was inspecting damage on Tuesday. The fire, which started just north of the area, has burned 150 acres and destroyed 25 homes.

Texas firefighters have battled 181 fires that have burned 118,413 acres, and more than 700 homes have been destroyed in the last 48 hours.
 ::snipping2::

Updates on some of the bigger fires:

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/06/leander_firefighters_respondin.html
Bastrop fires continue to burn; Steiner Ranch; Leander blazes partially contained
September 6, 2011 9:03 a.m.

 ::snipping2::
This story will be updated throughout the day as information becomes available.

Bastrop County

Fires in Bastrop County have consumed more than 29,000 acres and continue to spread this morning, forcing new evacuations as it moves closer to the city limits and other crucial property.
0907bastropfires.jpg

Overnight, the main Bastrop fire that broke out Sunday grew to 28,500 acres, and another 300 residents were evacuated, said Melissa Yunis, spokeswoman for the Texas Forest Service. It zero percent contained.

Another Bastrop area fire, dubbed the Union Chapel fire located one mile east of Wyldwood, has consumed 750 acres, damaged 25 homes and is threatening 59 others, officials said. The fire, which has crossed Texas 21, is also zero percent contained, she said.

The service is telling remaining residents to prepare to protect their homes and be ready for evacuation, Yunis said.
 ::snipping2::

The west flank of the largest fire, which was about 40 square miles late yesterday, is about 2 miles from the Bastrop city limits, Yunis said. About 1,000 residents could be evacuated today, she said.

“Numerous subdivisions, a local hospital, residents, outbuildings such as barns and sheds, ranch land, infrastructure such as power lines and 25 historical cabins at Bastrop State Park are threatened,” she said.
 ::snipping2::
Nearly 400 personnel are on the ground from the Texas Forest Service and local fire crews, she said. A helicopter and 27 bulldozers are also on the scene.

For more information, call (512) 332-8814 and (512) 332-8856.

Steiner Ranch:

The Steiner Ranch public information officer reports that the fire is 45 percent contained this morning. Twenty-four homes have been destroyed, and another 30 have been damaged over 125 acres. There have been minor injuries to five firefighters.
0907SteinerRanch.jpg

STARFlight helicopters made 300 dumps of water and had been in the air for more than 18 hours yesterday, officials said. Although 24 homes were lost, about 300 that had been threatened were saved.
 ::snipping2::
Officials expect to release more information about 10:30 a.m., officials said.

Williamson County:

The Leander Fire Department is holding a meeting for residents evacuated from their homes in Leander at 10 a.m. at Rouse High School, 1501 County Road 271. Evacuees must attend the meeting before being allowed back into their homes, county spokeswoman Connie Watson said.

The fire in Leander off Moonglow was 70 percent contained last night, Watson said this morning.

Preliminary reports indicate that the fire has burned approximately 300 acres and destroyed 13 homes.

The Leander Fire Department stayed with the fire throughout the night and is responding to a possible flare-up this morning.
Residents of Mason Creek that evacuated were allowed back into their homes Monday evening, Watson said.
 ::snipping2::
Residents of Mason Creek North or High Chapparal will not be allowed into their homes until Tuesday morning, possibly about 10 a.m.

Pedernales One

A 6,400-acre fire near Pedernales Bend near Spicewood was about 80 percent contained this morning, officials said. It had destroyed 64 structures, officials said.

Hays County

A mandatory evacuation in Hays County for the Pedernales One fire was lifted this morning, and residents are being allowed back into their homes, officials said.
 ::snipping2::
The fire was contained on the north side of Hamilton Pool Road this morning, officials said. Fire personnel in Hays County watched the area for hotspots overnight and will continue to do so today as necessary.

Maps and links to updates at link, top of this page

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)

keyetv keyetv
Officials say NOT to call 911 unless you are sure you see smoke and know where it's coming from. 911 is overrun with calls. #centraltxfires
1 minute ago

chrissadeghi Chris Sadeghi
New numbers from #Bastrop. 600 homes destroyed. 30,000 acres burned. Press conference at 10:30. #centraltxfires
4 minutes ago

babshaller Babs Garrett Haller
Driftwood Kennels is doing free boarding to evacuated families in need of animal care. #centraltxfires #txfires
7 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)

AustinUrbanGide Catherine Thomas
#centraltxfires RT @kvue: The YMCA of Austin is offering free child care to Bastrop fire victims: kvue.com/news/local/YMC…
5 minutes ago
»
Lloyd Doggett
RepLloydDoggett Lloyd Doggett
RT @nickb_kvue: If u dont have landline, reverse 911 cant reach you. Register your cell to get warnings bit.ly/1hPPxU (http://bit.ly/1hPPxU) #centraltxfires
5 minutes ago

Map of current fire activity:

http://ticc.tamu.edu/Response/FireActivity/

Here's a fire more southeast in Crabbs Prairie, TX (pop. 1700) that is only making local news.  Seven homes were burned.

http://itemonline.com/local/x1095937522/Crabbs-Prairie-fire
Crabbs Prairie fire reignites, claims more homes
September 6, 2011


(http://itemonline.com/archive/x1642541281/g06e0000000000000006a3deac2b9098e67cb66c6b2b3f34d500c58ea1c.jpg)
Crabbs Prairie fire
This image from the Crabbs Prairie fire was shot from Highway 75 North.

Strong winds and dry conditions caused the Crabbs Prairie fire to reignite Monday afternoon and it claimed seven homes belonging to Walker County residents, according to reports from the Walker County Office of Emergency Management.

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)



KXAN_News KXAN News
If you're out of town and want to hear what Gov Perry said about the fires, here's the video. bit.ly/pOyM3H (http://bit.ly/pOyM3H) #txfire #centraltxfires
1 minute ago

sprittibee Sprittibee
RT @OrneryTX: #centraltxfires #txfire RT @KVUE The YMCA of Austin offering free child care 4 Bastrop fire victims: bit.ly/qsOKWl (http://bit.ly/qsOKWl)
1 minute ago

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/09/texas-wildfires-more-than-1000-homes-lost.html
Texas wildfires: More than 1,000 homes lost, thousands evacuated
September 6, 2011

The wildfires in Texas continue to roar out of control, destroying more than 1,000 homes. With seemingly no end to the flames in sight, more than 5,000 residents were evacuated from the most-threatened areas.

Gov. Rick Perry told CBS that he hopes that today's forecast calling for cooler temperatures and slowing winds would help firefighters make headway. But he stressed: "It's still a very critical and very fluid situation."
 ::snipping2::
The disaster continued to unfold overnight: 22 new fires cropped up, at least 10 of which were labeled "large" by the Texas Forest Service. Combined, they have already consumed more than 7,544 acres. In all, there are an estimated 85 fires burning in the state.

Some of the newest fires were triggered by power lines that were torn down in the winds, or by residents barbecuing or getting in some chores -- such as welding -- over the long Labor Day weekend. Such seemingly innocent activities offered just enough spark to fuel a fire.

"It's hot, dry and windy," Melanie Stradling, a spokeswoman for the Texas Forest Service, told The Times. "It's extremely hot on a regular basis, and you've got high winds and heat and lack of rain."

The wildfires are particularly serious in Bastrop County, east of Austin, where more than 5,000 residents were evacuated. At least 476 homes were destroyed there, the highest number of homes ever lost in a single fire in Texas history.
 ::snipping2::

Look at these pictures...  ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)

LizJamesTweets Liz James Designs
Praying for all involved! RT @TexasMonthly: Punch-to-the-gut wildfire photo gallery from @TheAtlantic su.pr/2DNPgQ (http://su.pr/2DNPgQ) #centraltxfires
3 minutes ago

http://www.kvue.com/
Bastrop fire burns 30,000 acres; no containment
September 6, 2011

BASTROP, Texas -- Flames are still being monitored from a massive wildfire that has scorched at least 30,000 acres and destroyed close to 600 homes.

Firefighters were kept busy overnight Tuesday, doing all they can to try and save people's homes and stop the destruction.  Their job was made even more difficult after a new fire broke out in the Bastrop area last night. No one is sure what kindled the fire in Union Chapel and Hobbs Creek. 750 acres were burned in Union Chapel and that fire is 10 percent contained. 25 homes were destroyed there Monday night.
 ::snipping2::
Video at Link

http://www.kvue.com/news/Steiner-Ranch-residents-returning-home-129312498.html
Steiner Ranch residents returning home
September 6, 2011

AUSTIN, TX -- Firefighters are allowing residents in Steiner Ranch to return home beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
 ::snipping2::
Firefighters say the flames are still just 45 percent contained. The risk remains for another fire to start because of low-humidity levels, a slight breeze and dry patches of grass that could easily spark a flare-up.
 ::snipping2::
There are burnt remnants of vehicles in driveways. Homes are wiped out by flames, in some cases nothing is left except for the slab of foundation. In all, the fire in Steiner Ranch destroyed or damaged 54 homes.

Flames inched close to another 300 homes but firefighters were able to save them.

There has been a large outpouring of support in Steiner Ranch among neighbors. It will be a long recovery. Although people are getting back home, firefighters say they should be prepared to evacuate again should a flare up spark another blaze.

In the meantime, a haze sits over the community. The fire will smolder for at least another three to five days. Fire crews will remain on hand to put out hot spots. Crews with electric, gas and cable companies are inside the community restoring service and power.

http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin (http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin)
YNNAustin YNN Austin
CEDAR CREEK UPDATE: 1000 acres, 25 homes lost, another 100-150 homes threatened
39 minutes ago


http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires
 (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)

rhackleman Reagan Hackleman
Officials say the Steiner Ranch fire was caused by swaying power lines that caused a spark to fall on dry brush. #centraltxfires
now


GregAbbott_TX Greg Abbott
Animal care: Picture of the animal shelter at the #Bastrop #centraltxfires evacuation center yfrog.com/hw1yzpj (http://yfrog.com/hw1yzpj)
4 minutes ago

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/06/leander_firefighters_respondin.html
Fire starts near Northwest Austin neighborhood; Bastrop fires also raging
September 6, 2011 01:10 PM

Austin

A brush fire close to a neighborhood near MoPac Boulevard and Duval Road in Northwest Austin is threatening several structures, officials said.

The fire, which started about 1 p.m., is near the 12000 block of Mustang Chase and the 12000 block of Dorssett Lane in the Angus Valley subdivision, fire officials said.

Crews are setting a perimeter around the fire and blocking residents from entering the neighborhood.
 ::snipping2::
Bastrop County

(http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/austin/blotter/upload/2011/09/leander_firefighters_respondin/0907bastropfires-thumb.jpg)

The massive wildfire in Bastrop County has now burned around 30,000 acres, destroyed nearly 500 homes and forced 20 neighborhoods to evacuate, officials said at a press conference this morning. The largest fire remains zero percent contained, officials said.

A second fire called the “Union Chapel Fire” that broke out yesterday, has burned approximately 1,000 acres, officials said, destroying 25 homes. Between 100 and 150 homes are still threatened.

The area has been declared a federal disaster area and more planes will be circling the area soon, Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald said.

The damage is “severe,” said Mike Fisher, the county’s emergency management coordinator.

Bastrop schools will closed for another day tomorrow, officials said today.

More than 360 firefighters, 47 engines and 27 dozers are battling the fires on the ground, while four helicopters are in the air, Fisher said.
 ::snipping2::
All but 50 to 100 acres of the 6,000-acre Bastrop State Park has been affected by the fire, a state parks spokesman said today, but all but three of the park’s historic structures have been spared.

However, the endangered Houston Toad, whose main habitat is the park, may not be so lucky.

At this point, with the fire still burning, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department spokesman Mike Cox said it is not clear just what percentage of the park and its unique forest has been destroyed.

“We’re talking about burned trees and blackened ground,” said Cox, adding that he was standing in what amounted to a gentle snowfall of ashes from the fire. “The whole east side (of the park) still seems to be burning.”
 ::snipping2::
The nine-hole golf course on the park’s west tip, near the confluence of Texas 21 and Texas 150, and the swimming pool have survived, he said.
 ::snipping2::
Steiner Ranch:
(http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/austin/blotter/upload/2011/09/leander_firefighters_respondin/0907SteinerRanch-thumb.jpg)

Steiner Ranch has been reopened for residents, who must show identification at check points to be allowed into the affected areas, officials said.

The fire is about 45 percent contained, officials said. Twenty-four homes have been destroyed, and another 30 have been damaged over 125 acres. There have been minor injuries to five firefighters.

Residents will be allowed to return via the Quinlan Park Road entrance, officials said. The Steiner Ranch Road entrance will be closed.

Officials did not know how long it will take to contain the blaze but said there will be smoke in the area for three to five days.

It is possible people will have to be evacuated again, Lake Travis Fire Rescue Chief Jim Linardos said.
 ::snipping2::
STARFlight helicopters made 300 dumps of water and had been in the air for more than 18 hours yesterday, officials said. Although 24 homes were lost, about 300 that had been threatened were saved.
 ::snipping2::
Williamson County:

The Moonglow fire in Leander has burned 300 acres, destroyed 11 homes and damaged nine others, fire officials said today.

(http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/austin/blotter/upload/2011/09/leander_firefighters_respondin/leanderfire-thumb.jpg)

“We’re hoping that number doesn’t climb,” Leander Fire Department Chief Bill Gardner said. “It’s a ground battle. Air resources are not available.”

The fire is currently 70 percent contained, Gardner said. Three firefighters suffered non-serious injuries.

At the peak evacuation period, 500 people left their homes, Gardner said. That has now decreased to 120.
 ::snipping2::

Pedernales One

(http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/austin/blotter/upload/2011/09/leander_firefighters_respondin/0907PedernalesBend-thumb.jpg)

A fire near Pedernales Bend near Spicewood was about 80 percent contained this morning, officials said. About 12,000 acres have been affected and about 23 homes were destroyed, Travis County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Roger Wade said today. Another 44 structures have been damaged.


There have been no new evacuations this morning, officials said.

More than 150 firefighters from 17 agencies have responded to the blaze, including two airplanes, officials said.

Firefighters today are checking damaged homes, making sure everything is extinguished and putting out hotspots, said Capt. Peter Teliha with the Austin Fire Department. Firefighters are also checking for problems with propane tanks that exploded, he said.

Most of homes damaged or destroyed are on the west side of the Pedernales River, officials said. About half of the 12,000 acres affected is open ranch land, Wade said.

There has been no preliminary cause available for this fire, Wade said.
 ::snipping2::
Hays County

A mandatory evacuation in Hays County for the Pedernales One fire was lifted this morning, and residents are being allowed back into their homes, officials said.

Hamilton Pool Road in now open, officials said.

The fire was contained on the north side of Hamilton Pool Road this morning, officials said. Fire personnel in Hays County watched the area for hotspots overnight and will continue to do so today as necessary.

About 210 homes had been evacuated in the Stagecoach Ranches neighborhood, the Bell Springs Road-Lost Creek Road-Grand Summit Road area, Cedar Springs Ranch, River Oaks Ranch and Ranches at Hamilton Pool.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhJeDYQVtdQ&feature=youtu.be
See how fast wildfire spreads - Texas Parks and Wildlife [Official]
Video shot September 5, 2011 on the north edge of Bastrop State Park

http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News (http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News)
KXAN_News KXAN News
Michael Teague sends us video of his drive through Bastrop County yesterday. youtu.be/wrn4M5U5G90 (http://youtu.be/wrn4M5U5G90) #txfire
16 minutes ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrn4M5U5G90&feature=youtu.be
Devastating Wildfire Bastrop Texas
Uploaded by MrMarine2619 on Sep 5, 2011

Here is a fairly long video we took today of all the devastation back off of 21 in the cardinal loop, ponderosa,cardinal drive and pine path area as of about 10am this morning. our hearts go out to those who have lost everything. The Lost Pines of Bastrop, Texas are officially lost.

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)

rachelcweiner Rachel Weiner
google map of fire activity ticc.tamu.edu/Response/FireA… #centraltxfires
2 minutes ago

http://ticc.tamu.edu/Response/FireActivity/

http://www.texas-fire.com/2011/09/officials-waller-county-subdivision-nearly-destroyed-in-wildfire/
Officials: Waller County subdivision nearly destroyed in wildfire
September 6, 2011

Strong winds have rekindled parts of a wildfire that’s been burning in Montgomery, Grimes and Waller counties since Monday afternoon. The fire, which is believed to have destroyed about 80 homes, prompted mandatory evacuation orders for a number of communities.

In Waller County, the evacuation zone expanded Tuesday to about 8,000 homes and businesses just east of the Renaissance Festival grounds, including all residences to the west of where FM 1774 and 1488 meet in Magnolia, with Riley and Reids Prairie Roads bordering to the north, FM 362 to the west and Joseph Road to the south. In Grimes County, an evacuation order was in effect for the Lake Hollyhill, Lake Holly Springs and Foxfire subdivisions. In Montgomery County, an evacuation order remained in effect for River Park Ranch, Ranch Crest and Magnolia West. Residents of Alford Estates, Woodland Land Lakes, Week End Retreats, Wisteria Farms and Deer Haven were allowed to return to their homes Tuesday afternoon.

Waller County officials said 90 percent of the Remington Forest subdivision was destroyed, with anywhere from 50 to 75 homes lost. The Montgomery County Fire Marshal said the blaze destroyed at least two homes – a brick home on Ruel Road and a mobile home on Pecos Ranch Road, as well as a number of other outbuildings and barns in the Ranch Crest and River Park Ranch subdivisions. There were reports of at least one home and a fire truck destroyed in Grimes County.
 ::snipping2::

http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280331/apd-detains-person-of-interest-in-northwest-austin-fires
APD detains person of interest in Northwest Austin fires
September 6, 2011

Officers with the Austin Police Department have detained a person of interest in connection to "multiple spot fires" in Northwest Austin Tuesday.

The fires erupted in an area between Highway 183 and MoPac, just south of Parmer, near the Riata apartment complex.
 ::snipping2::

New fire today:

http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280332/crews-battle-2-alarm-brush-fire-in-mustang-ridge
Crews battle 2-alarm brush fire in Mustang Ridge
September 6, 2011

Fire crews are working a 2-alarm brush fire off of Maha Loop Road in Mustang Ridge.

Firefighters and sheriff's deputies are discussing evacuations on the radio.

The fire is east of Highway 183, between state highways 130 and 21.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/fema-to-help-pay-firefighting-costs
FEMA to help pay firefighting costs
Up to 75 percent could be borne by federal agency
September 6, 2011

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday authorized the use of federal funds to help fight fires in multiple counties in Texas.
 ::snipping2::
The fires have been burning in Bastrop County; Montgomery County; Travis County; Williamson County; and along the county lines of Grimes, Waller and Montgomery Counties.

The addition of these seven latest Fire Management Assistance Grants brings the total of approved FMAGs for Texas to 52 so far in 2011.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of state and local government eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires.

http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News (http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News)
chrissadeghi Chris Sadeghi
by KXAN_News
Names and locations will not be released on fatalities. They were not public servants. Investigation continues #Bastrop #centraltxfires
12 minutes ago
Chris Sadeghi
chrissadeghi Chris Sadeghi
by KXAN_News
Texas ag commissioner Todd Staples says this is worst fire season inTexas history. Warns everyone to be careful. It just takes a spark.
9 minutes ago
KXAN News
KXAN_News KXAN News
OFFICIALS: Bastrop fire has turned deadly, killing two. #centraltxwildfires #txwildfire
9 minutes ago
KXAN News
KXAN_News KXAN News
Bastrop Co. Judge has confirmed two fatalities due to the fire. No identification at this time.
12 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News (http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News)

KXAN_News KXAN News
Bastrop County fire burned 34,000 acres and 550 homes. #centraltxwildfires #txwildfire kxan.com
44 seconds ago
KXAN News
KXAN_News KXAN News
Bastrop ISD cancels classes for the remainder of the week. #centraltxwildfires #txwildfire tinyurl.com/qnsqv (http://tinyurl.com/qnsqv)
4 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)
impactnews_lcp Community Impact LCP
Leander Fire Chief Bill Gardner: Moonglow fire is suspected arson; device found and suspected of starting fire. #centraltxfires
1 minute ago

http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin (http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin)

YNNAustin YNN Austin
Union Chapel aka Cedar Creek fire @ 800 acres, 27 homes destroyed, 200 people evacuated
1 minute ago
YNN Austin
YNNAustin YNN Austin
RT @jeffstensland: 550 houses destroyed, Bastrop Complex fire now 34,000 acres. #txfire
5 minutes ago
YNN Austin
YNNAustin YNN Austin
RT @jeffstensland: Bluebonnet Electric: 4,300 families without power in Bastrop County right now.
7 minutes ago
YNN Austin
YNNAustin YNN Austin
RT @jeffstensland: Bastrop Schools closed until next Monday.
7 minutes ago

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/two-die-in-bastrop-fires%2C-officials-say
Two die in Bastrop fires, officials say
Identities not released; were not first-responders
September 6, 2011

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - Two people have died in the Bastrop fires, officials confirmed Tuesday.

Neither of the victims were public safety workers, but officials declined to identify either individual. They also declined to release any details surrounding the deaths
 ::snipping2::
The announcement of the two fatalities was made during a late afternoon news briefing by Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald, who was joined by state Sen. Kirk Watson of Austin, who also represents the Bastrop area.
 ::snipping2::

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)

ahknight Adam Knight
Because acres are mentally meaningless at this size know that Bastrop's fire now covers over 53 sq. mi. (34K acres) #txfire #centraltxfires
1 minute ago

AJTweetsHere AJ Miranda
Epic #centraltxfires photos over at @Statesman photoblog @collectivevis. Must see: photoblog.statesman.com/fires-rage-on (http://photoblog.statesman.com/fires-rage-on)
4 minutes ago

Pictures from Bastrop & Steiner Ranch Fires -

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)
SAEN_Photo SAEN_Photo
First 11 pictures in this slideshow are my aerials from the Bastrop fire. bit.ly/pklfu9 (http://bit.ly/pklfu9) #txfire #centraltxfires
1 minute ago

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/06/leander_firefighters_respondin.html
Fire almost contained in Northwest Austin; two bodies found in Bastrop fires, officials say
September 6, 2011 4:40 p.m.

Austin

Austin fire crews are close to getting a series of fires near a Northwest Austin neighborhood under control, and they continue to investigate what caused them, an official said.

Several fires developed about 1 p.m. in the Angus Valley and Valley Oaks subdivisions on Duval Road between MoPac Boulevard (Loop 1) and U.S. 183, but only two outdoor storage sheds were destroyed, Austin fire spokesman Edward Lee said.

Nearby residents who had been evacuated are now being allowed to return home, Lee said.

The Riata apartment complex is located close to the area, along with commercial properties and neighborhoods, Lee said.

“It was a very close call,” Lee said.

Austin firefighters attacked the blazes from several access points and are now putting out hot spots, Lee said.
 ::snipping2::
There were no immediate estimates regarding the size of the fires or how many separate blazes were in the area, Lee said.

Also, a man was detained for questioning in the Angus Valley neighborhood in connection with the fires, but has since been released, an Austin police official said. The man was found to have no connection to the fires.
 ::snipping2::

Bastrop County



(http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/austin/blotter/upload/2011/09/leander_firefighters_respondin/WEB0907bastropfires3-thumb.jpg)

Two fatalities have been reported in the Bastrop fires, but officials are not prepared to release their locations, Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald said today. He had no other immediate details.

The bodies were not uniformed personnel, said Sheriff Terry Pickering, who earlier had said deputies were investigating “suspicious circumstances” at two locations but would not elaborate.

Somebody in the field discovered the bodies, Pickering said, but he did not know who or what crew they were with.

The massive wildfire in Bastrop County has burned around 30,000 acres, destroyed nearly 500 homes and forced 20 neighborhoods to evacuate, officials said. The largest fire remains zero percent contained, officials said.
A second fire called the “Union Chapel Fire” that broke out yesterday, has burned approximately 1,000 acres, officials said, destroying 25 homes. Between 100 and 150 homes are still threatened.

The area has been declared a federal disaster area and more planes will be circling the area soon, McDonald said.
 ::snipping2::
Steiner Ranch:

Steiner Ranch has been reopened for residents, who must show identification at check points to be allowed into the affected areas, officials said.

The fire is about 45 percent contained, officials said. Twenty-four homes have been destroyed, and another 30 have been damaged over 125 acres. There have been minor injuries to five firefighters.
 ::snipping2::.
Officials did not know how long it will take to contain the blaze but said there will be smoke in the area for three to five days.

It is possible people will have to be evacuated again, Lake Travis Fire Rescue Chief Jim Linardos said.
 ::snipping2::
Williamson County:

(http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/austin/blotter/upload/2011/09/leander_firefighters_respondin/leanderfire-thumb.jpg)

The Moonglow fire in Leander has burned 300 acres, destroyed 11 homes and damaged eight others, fire officials said today.
We’re hoping that number doesn’t climb,” Leander Fire Department Chief Bill Gardner said. “It’s a ground battle. Air resources are not available.”

The fire is currently 70 percent contained, Gardner said. Three firefighters suffered non-serious injuries.

At the peak evacuation period, 500 people left their homes, Gardner said. That has now decreased to 120.

Leander Fire Chief Bill Gardner said at this morning’s briefing that residents of the Mason Creek North and High Chaparelle subdivisions had been allowed to return home Monday night, but some homeowners in Mason Creek proper were still shut out this afternoon.
 ::snipping2::

Pedernales One

(http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/austin/blotter/upload/2011/09/leander_firefighters_respondin/0907PedernalesBend-thumb.jpg)

A fire near Pedernales Bend near Spicewood was about 80 percent contained today, officials said. About 23 homes were destroyed, Travis County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Roger Wade said today. Another 44 structures have been damaged.

No structures have been lost today and there have been no reports of injuries, an Austin fire official said at a press conference about 2 p.m.

There have been conflicting reports on the number of acres burned. Officials earlier today said 12,000 acres were burned, but Austin Fire Capt. Peter Teliha and Wade said at about 2 p.m. that it appears only 6,400 acres were affected.
 ::snipping2::

Hays County

A mandatory evacuation in Hays County for the Pedernales One fire was lifted this morning, and residents are being allowed back into their homes, officials said.

Hamilton Pool Road in now open, officials said.

The fire was contained on the north side of Hamilton Pool Road this morning, officials said. Fire personnel in Hays County watched the area for hotspots overnight and will continue to do so today as necessary.

About 210 homes had been evacuated in the Stagecoach Ranches neighborhood, the Bell Springs Road-Lost Creek Road-Grand Summit Road area, Cedar Springs Ranch, River Oaks Ranch and Ranches at Hamilton Pool.
 ::snipping2::
Travis County

Area fire crews are attacking a large grass fire on Maha Loop Road near Texas 130 and U.S. 183 in southeastern Travis County, an official said.

The fire broke out shortly before 2 p.m., and residents of 30 nearby homes are being evacuated as a precaution, Travis County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Roger Wade said.

And in the Houston area...

http://www.khou.com/news/Wildfire-threatening-Renaissance-Festival-grounds-in-Grimes-County-129268548.html
Firefighters, evacuees exhausted as Riley Road Fire remains uncontained
September 6, 2011

HOUSTON – More than 4,000 people have been evacuated in the Greater Houston area, 80 homes destroyed and 7,000 acres burned by a raging wildfire in Grimes, Montgomery and Waller Counties.

The fire, which started around 3 p.m. Monday near Crown Ranch in Grimes County, was zero-percent contained Tuesday, the Texas Forest Service said.

The TFS has dubbed the blaze the Riley Road Fire.

Mandatory evacuation orders were in effect in all three affected counties
 ::snipping2::

http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_stories/Bastrop-Fire-Claims-Two-Lives-20110906-ktbcw-#axzz1XDIBPiAr
Bastrop Fire Claims Two Lives
September 6, 2011 Updated 4:39 p.m.

The wildfire has burned more than 34,000 acres, 600 homes and claimed two lives in Bastrop area. It is now 15 percent contained. Officials have shared that the fire, which has required assistance from dozens of firefighting units - a total of 366 firefighters - from across the state, could be days from containment.
 ::snipping2::
County officials held a press conference Monday morning and said the fire is too dangerous to be fought from the ground.  They first had to fight the fire from the air using planes and helicopters including Black Hawk helicopters.  There have been 250 fire crews that have worked on fighting the fire.  Fire officials expect the fire will take several days to contain.

Additionally, a second wildfire broke out near Union Chapel last night, and has consumed nearly 1,000 acres and 27 homes. Another 100-150 homes remain threatened by that blaze. That fire is 15 percent contained.
 ::snipping2::

Video at Link

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/06/leander_firefighters_respondin.html
Two bodies found in Bastrop fires, officials say; Leander fire investigated as an arson
September 6, 2011 5:42 p.m.
 ::snipping2::
Austin

Austin fire crews are close to getting a series of fires near a Northwest Austin neighborhood under control, and they continue to investigate what caused them, an official said.
 ::snipping2::

Bastrop County

Two fatalities have been reported in the Bastrop fires, but officials are not prepared to release their locations, Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald said at a press conference about 4:45 p.m. He had no other immediate details.

The bodies were not uniformed personnel, said Sheriff Terry Pickering, but he also would not say whether they were residents.

Somebody in the field discovered the bodies, Pickering said, but he did not know who or what crew they were with.
Officials are still waiting to positively the bodies and will to notify next of kin before releasing their identities, he said.

The massive wildfire in Bastrop County has burned around 34,000 acres, destroyed an estimated 550 homes and forced 20 neighborhoods to evacuate, officials said. The largest fire is no longer zero percent contained, officials said, but they could not estimate how much has been contained.
A second fire called the “Union Chapel Fire” that broke out yesterday, has burned approximately 800 acres and destroyed 27 homes, officials said. The fire is about 16 percent contained, officials said. About 200 homes have been evacuated.

The area has been declared a federal disaster area and more planes will be circling the area soon, McDonald said
 ::snipping2::
Steiner Ranch:

Steiner Ranch has been reopened for residents, who must show identification at check points to be allowed into the affected areas, officials said.

The fire is about 45 percent contained, officials said at a press conference about 5 p.m. Twenty-four homes have been destroyed, and another 30 have been damaged over 125 acres. There have been minor injuries to five firefighters.
 ::snipping2::
About 90 percent of the homes that were not destroyed or damaged have power, officials said, and they are working to restore gas and cable.

There were conflicting opinions on what may have caused the fire Tuesday afternoon.

A fire chief disputed claims Tuesday that overhead power lines were to blame. However, the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office said a the preliminary cause still pointed to overhead power lines based on witness reports, according to Sheriff’s Office spokesman Roger Wade.

Clark, the Austin Energy spokesman, said the utility will work with authorities to investigate the cause further.
 ::snipping2::
An Austin police helicopter and three STARFlight helicopters flew overhead today assessing the fire but did not dump any water, Linaros said.

The fire is burining in “fingers,” Linaros said, but it can jump between them.

“It’s hard to cut fire lines in that environment,” he said, adding that embers drifting away is causing spot fires hundreds of feet away.

“We’re confident we can hold this,” he said.
 ::snipping2::
Williamson County:

Leander police are investigating the Moonglow fire as an arson and are looking for four teenagers seen running from a wooded area near where the fire began, county spokeswoman Connie Watson said.

The Moonglow fire in Leander has burned 300 acres, destroyed 11 homes and damaged eight others, fire officials said today.
 ::snipping2::
The fire is currently 70 percent contained, Gardner said. Three firefighters suffered non-serious injuries.

“We’re hoping that number doesn’t climb,” Leander Fire Department Chief Bill Gardner said. “It’s a ground battle. Air resources are not available.”

Officials did not have detailed descriptions of the four teens.

Anyone with information is asked to call Leander police at 528-2800, Williamson County CrimeStoppers at (800) 235-7867 or the Texas Forest Service (800) 364-3470.
 ::snipping2::
Pedernales One

A fire near Pedernales Bend near Spicewood was about 80 percent contained today, officials said. About 23 homes were destroyed, Travis County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Roger Wade said today. Another 44 structures have been damaged.

No structures have been lost today and there have been no reports of injuries, an Austin fire official said at a press conference about 2 p.m.

There have been conflicting reports on the number of acres burned. Officials earlier today said 12,000 acres were burned, but Austin Fire Capt. Peter Teliha and Wade said at about 2 p.m. that it appears only 6,400 acres were affected.
 ::snipping2::
Firefighters today have been checking damaged homes, making sure everything is extinguished and putting out hotspots, Teliha said. Firefighters are also checking for problems with propane tanks that exploded, he said.

About 10:30 a.m., firefighters used bulldozers to cut a line on the west flank of the fire, but it jumped the line, Teliha said. A helicopter was able to douse those flames, but it delayed an assessment of damaged neighborhoods, he said.

Most of homes damaged or destroyed are on the west side of the Pedernales River, officials said.

There has been no preliminary cause available, Wade said.
 ::snipping2::
Hays County

A mandatory evacuation in Hays County for the Pedernales One fire was lifted this morning, and residents are being allowed back into their homes, officials said.

Hamilton Pool Road in now open, officials said.

The fire was contained on the north side of Hamilton Pool Road this morning, officials said. Fire personnel in Hays County watched the area for hotspots overnight and will continue to do so today as necessary.
 ::snipping2::
A shelter at Dripping Springs Middle School on Tiger Lane in Dripping Springs is closed.
 ::snipping2::

Travis County

Area fire crews are attacking a large grass fire on Maha Loop Road near Texas 130 and U.S. 183 in southeastern Travis County, an official said.

The fire broke out shortly before 2 p.m., and residents of 30 nearby homes are being evacuated as a precaution, Travis County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Roger Wade said.

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)

DigitalTexan The Digital Texan
Statesman first quoted Sheriff saying suspicious circumstances with Bastrop deaths. Quote now removed. clicky.me/6KRa #centraltxfires
35 seconds ago

 ::MonkeyNoNo::  How can Rhoda Mae face the men and women firefighters after this?  

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/austin-fire-chief-out-of-town-as-wildfires-1824414.html
Austin fire chief out of town as wildfires raged outside city
September 6, 2011
(http://www.statesman.com/multimedia/dynamic/01107/Rhoda-Kerr-11AFD_1_1107972k.jpg)
Rhoda Mae Kerr says she would have returned if fires were in Austin.

As fires tore through hundreds of Central Texas homes, Austin officials dispatched nearly 200 of their firefighters to help across the region and issued an urgent request Sunday for 25 off-duty firefighters to report to work.

But Austin Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr stayed in Colorado for a Labor Day weekend golfing trip, leaving subordinates largely in charge of her department's response while keeping in touch by cellphone and email.

Officials said Tuesday that her absence from the disaster did not hamper firefighting efforts, which were coordinated by county departments, and that she remained involved from afar in her department's response.

A top assistant also said that Kerr offered early on to return and that he emphasized to her that the fire was not in the city's immediate territory.

Kerr, who was set to return to work today, said in a telephone interview Tuesday that she did not come home earlier because flames were not in the city.
 ::snipping2::
"All of the fires are not in the city limits of Austin," Kerr said. "If the fires were in the city limits of Austin, that would have been a whole different thing, and I would have made my way back as fast as I could have."

Tuesday afternoon, several fires broke out in two subdivisions near Duval Road in Northwest Austin, but those were put out by evening.

Kerr's decision to stay on vacation has renewed questions among some firefighters — nine of whom reportedly lost their homes in Bastrop County, the hardest-hit area in the unprecedented fires — and from union officials about her leadership.
 ::snipping2::
Bob Nicks, president of the Austin Firefighters Association, wondered why Kerr could not have ended her trip early and pointed out that Gov. Rick Perry left the presidential campaign trail to return to Texas.

"It's a 100-year event, with fires of this magnitude," Nicks said. "It would be better if the chief was here to at least provide guidance to the citizens" about fire safety.

He added that numerous Austin firefighters cut short their vacations and Labor Day weekend activities to report for duty when the fires worsened Sunday.

But City Manager Marc Ott, Kerr's boss, defended her, saying that it is possible for any city official — himself included — to be on vacation when an emergency strikes.
 ::snipping2::
For example, Kerr said, she and Evans discussed — and she approved — sending crews Tuesday to Bastrop County at the state's request.

A public notice issued by the department Sunday that it was trying to summon 25 extra firefighters to work also drew criticism.

The message, sent to Austin news outlets, later went viral on social media sites. Posts about the notice on Facebook and Twitter abounded well into Tuesday, incorrectly saying the department was "begging for retired and any fireman (sic) to call the number" and come to work. The post included a phone number, and it was unclear where that posting originated.

"It created panic, it created confusion, and it made the department appear unorganized," Nicks said of the initial posting and its aftereffects.

Evans said Tuesday that department officials were trying to reach firefighters by calling their home and cellphone numbers but that they thought sending a message through the media would be faster.

However, Evans said the department will soon look at other ways to get in touch with firefighters during a crisis.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Texas-wildfires-claim-2-lives-2158303.php
Texas wildfires claim 2 lives
September 6, 2011

 ::snipping2::
In Bastrop County, Sheriff Terry Pickering declined to provide details about the deaths other than to say that the victims were not police or firefighters. Officers had not been able to identify the bodies, he said.

Gov. Rick Perry said a 100-member search team will comb the area this morning for more possible victims. He said the number of homes destroyed by wildfires since last December had surpassed 1,000 statewide. Some 3.5 million acres have burned.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8374579/more_dead_in_texas_wildfires.html?cat=49
More Dead in Texas Wildfires
Homes, Acreage Lost to Infernos
September 6, 2011

The numbers are staggering and changing so fast that authorities can barely keep track of the changes. The Bastrop County, Texas fire that began on Sunday afternoon has burned some 52 square miles, nearly twice the size of the island of Manhattan. At least six hundred homes, and two lives, have been lost to this one fire alone. Statewide, four have died since Sunday.

The Texas Forest Service reports that from August 30 to September 5, they responded to 181 fires that burned 185 square miles of land. When fires fought by local fire departments are included, that number increases to 336 fires in seven days. In 2011, all of the fire fighting agencies in Texas combined have fought over 18,719 fires, 2,897 structures have been destroyed and over 5,522 square miles of land has been burned. That area is equivalent to the size of the State of Connecticut.

Texas Task Force One has been ordered to deploy to the Bastrop fire by Governor Rick Perry. TF1 is one of the top search and rescue teams in the world. Due to the speed of the fire's spread, officials are concerned about the possibility that people were trapped. About 100 Task Force members and a dozen search dogs are expected to arrive by Wednesday, September 7.
 ::snipping2::
The weather forecast for Texas offers little hope. While winds will drop, there is no rain in the immediate future and the exceptional drought conditions will continue. The fire conditions will remain fluid and the threat intense until the state sees significant rain.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/297547_262439343776935_161908093830061_883769_2045483611_n.jpg)

 Bastrop, Texas Fire

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/larger-bastrop-fire-now-30-percent-contained
Larger Bastrop fire now 30% contained
Union Chapel fire is 20 percent contained
September 7, 2011

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - The largest fire in Central Texas, ripping through Bastrop, is now 30 percent contained as of 7:40 a.m. Wednesday.

The Southern Area Type 1 Red Team will be in place in Bastrop County early Wednesday morning, and they will have access to firefighting experts from across country.

They will be able to plan better attacks on the fires that continue to destroy homes and lives.

Two people have died while two fires continue to burn on either side of the city of Bastrop.

Bastrop complex fire

The biggest fire is just east of the city, which has consumed 38,089 acres and destroyed 576 homes. It is 30 percent contained.

Union Chapel fire

The smaller fire, to the west of Bastrop and called the Union Chapel fire, has consumed about 800 acres and destroyed 28 homes. Some 150 homes are threatened, and 200 people have been evacuated. That fire is only 20 percent contained.
 ::snipping2::
Video at link

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)



DFWscanner D/FW Police Scanner
TFS - BASTROP UPDATE - Fire is 30% contained with 35,000+ acres. #txfire #centraltxfires
2 minutes ago

OrneryTX Mitch Norris
Just horrible scenes. RT @jayjanner: @statesman photos from inside the fire lines: bit.ly/pPUScx (http://bit.ly/pPUScx) #centraltxfires
5 minutes ago

Houston area:

http://www.khou.com/news/Wildfire-threatening-Renaissance-Festival-grounds-in-Grimes-County-129268548.html
Officials: Major progress made as Riley Road Fire nearly 85-percent contained
Posted September 5, 2011, Updated September 7, 2011

HOUSTON – Firefighters have made a great deal of progress battling the wildfire that destroyed nearly 80 homes and burned at least 7,800 acres in Grimes, Montgomery and Waller Counties. Officials say the fire is nearly 85-percent contained, but the biggest threat remains in Grimes County.

More than 180 fires have erupted in just one week, with the largest fire in Bastrop County where more than 1000 homes were ruined.  The Texas Forest Service has dubbed the blaze the Riley Road Fire.

 About 1200 firefighters joined to battle the wildfire, including crews from Utah, California, Arizona and Oregon. Texas Task Force 1, which responded to 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, has also joined in the fight. Fire officials will continue with air drops, saying smoke and isolated burns are expected for weeks to come.
 ::snipping2::
Texas is enduring its worst drought since the 1950s, and this wildfire is among at least 57 currently burning in the state.

Since last December, 3.5 million acres have burned in Texas – an area about the size of Connecticut. In September alone, more than 1,000 homes have been destroyed and four people – a mother and a baby in East Texas and two people near Bastrop -- have died.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_stories/Texas-Military-Forces-Help-Battle-Bastrop-Blaze-20110907-ktbcw#axzz1XDIBPiAr
Texas Military Forces Help Battle Bastrop Blaze
September 7, 2011

(http://media2.myfoxaustin.com//photo/2011/09/06/Bastrop_16_20110906173301_320_240.JPG)
Bastrop Fire

 ::snipping2::
To help contain the Bastrop fire, the Texas Army National Guard has deployed eight UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. Each Blackhawk carries suspended "Bambi buckets," dropping 660 gallons of water or fire retardant per pass. Three CH-47 Chinooks have also been deployed, applying 1600 gallons of fire retardant or water during each bucket drop.

Since August 31, the Texas National Guard aircraft have dropped one and a half million gallons of water under challenging conditions.

Additionally, the National Guard is providing four bulldozers and support trucks in each of the following areas: Bastrop, Texas; Columbus, Texas; and Linden, Texas.
 ::snipping2::

http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News (http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News)

teainfo Tx Education Agency
by KXAN_News
More than 200 Bastrop ISD faculty/staff have lost homes or suffered damage; more than 800 homes destroyed.
13 minutes ago

KXAN News
KXAN_News KXAN News
Announced: Michael Troy Farr was killed in Bastrop fire, city of Austin employee. We are sorry for this loss.
1 hour ago

Chris F
realaudio2008 Chris F
by KXAN_News
“@chrissadeghi: We have ID on one victim. Michael Troy Farr. A city of Austin employee since 2003. Body found in his home #bastrop”
1 hour ago

http://weareaustin.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=176937
Identity of Bastrop fire victim released
September 6, 2011

(http://weareaustin.com/images/Multi_Media/weareaustin/nxd_media/img/jpg/2011_09/86a6751f-0103-e2e4-25e5-9528f6fe88ab/220x165.jpg)

Authorities in Bastrop County have identified one of the two people killed in the massive wildfires that have been burning since Monday.

Troy Farr, 48, of Smithville, was a master electrician for the city of Austin. He had worked for the city since 2003. A city of Austin spokesman says the city is assisting his family at this time.
More...

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/politics/funding-cuts-could-hurt-wildfire-fight
Funding cuts could hurt wildfire fight
Volunteer fire departments would suffer most
September 7, 2011

AUSTIN (KXAN) - As firefighters across Texas continue to battle more than 50 wildfires, state cuts now affecting the agency largely funding that fight – the Texas Forest Service – could have a detrimental effect on volunteer fire departments.

The fire service faced about a third less funding starting Sept. 1, after lawmakers slashed the appropriation to $75 million for the next two years.

TFS officials said they will likely ask lawmakers in the 2013 legislative session to pay for firefighting efforts now – a move that has worked somewhat in the past. They estimate needing another $61.5 million to pay for firefighting costs that have piled up since the end of the legislative session in June.

However, most of the $35 million cut this legislative session came from a volunteer fire department grant program, according to TFS. In the past, that money went toward equipment purchases and other reimbursements.
 ::snipping2::
Most of the state is protected by volunteer fire departments. There are 879 volunteer departments, 114 paid departments, and 187 with a combination.

Earlier this year, SFFMA said 80 percent of volunteer firefighters in the state are struggling to keep up financially, often using their own money to help pay the cost to fight fires.

For many of those volunteer fire departments, obtaining federal funding might be one of the only options left.

Federal Funding Fight

With state cuts around the corner, Gov. Rick Perry requested that the federal government issue a Major Disaster Declaration – the highest designation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency – earlier this spring in the middle of wildfire season. That would have opened up Direct Federal Assistance and Emergency Protective Measures from FEMA to the state for wildfire response and recovery.
 ::snipping2::
After an appeal, Perry saw the federal government partially grant his request, though his office says the request for a full declaration is still pending.

On Tuesday after wildfire outbreaks across Central Texas, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to pay 75 percent of state and local government eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires.


The addition of these seven latest Fire Management Assistance Grants brings the total of approved FMAGs for Texas to 52 so far in 2011.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of state and local government eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires.

State Firefighting Changes

On Sept. 1, a sunset bill meant to overhaul the 95-year-old Texas Forest Service went into effect. Among the provisions, TFS has said it will begin including wildfire danger in its consideration for future grants.

The law also looks at the agency’s work with volunteer fire departments. It sets guidelines for calling in volunteers only after local firefighting resources have been completely tapped.

The agency could pay those volunteers or reimburse volunteer departments for their equipment. It would also require the agency to make the most cost-effective choices when fighting fires – whether that is with volunteers, temporary services, or out-of-state firefighters and equipment.

“Paying out-of-state resources unfortunately becomes the priority,” said Barron. “Our volunteers are often left at the end without anything to cover their costs.”
 ::snipping2::

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/grim-search-for-victims-continues-in-bastrop-1827021.html
Grim search for victims continues in Bastrop
September 7, 2011

BASTROP — As firefighting crews continued snuffing out blazing fire lines and hot spots, specialists began a grim house-by-house search on Wednesday for additional victims.

At the forefront of that search: members of Texas Task Force 1, the state's elite wide-area search team that has worked national disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005 and the World Trade Center terrorist attacks in New York 10 years ago.

"It's a massive undertaking," said Bastrop County Sheriff Terry Pickering, whose agency is working with the task force.

"It's going to take several days. They are going from property to property."

Officials said the task force began its work Wednesday using more than 100 searchers and a dozen dogs specially trained to find human remains.

Pickering said the teams fanned out in western parts of the county first, where the Union Chapel fire burned homes, woods and grassland.

Once that search was complete, they moved to the Bastrop fire east of the city, starting at the northern edge of the area where the fire started and working their way south to where firefighters were still battling the stubborn brush fire late in the day.

By nightfall, Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald said no additional victims had been found since the two bodies discovered Tuesday.
 ::snipping2::
Pickering and other officials familiar with the search said that the task force was given a list of the 2,400 evacuees who have checked into local shelters, as well as their addresses.

"That way, they could mark off a lot of properties that they didn't have to search," Pickering said.

But hundreds remained to be checked.

"They're going to every location where someone lived, and they will be checking those before we clear those areas to be reopened (to residents)," Pickering said.

In all, more than 700 homes have burned in the county since the fires erupted on Sunday, officials said.

"That's a lot of places to check, a lot of places," the sheriff said.
 ::snipping2::

Pictures from Humane Society -rescued from fires.  There has been ongoing relief efforts to help the animals caught up in the disaster.

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)

JenniLeeAustin Jenni Lee
Bastrop fires displaced 40 Austin Police Officers. 5 lost their homes. #centraltxfires.
1 minute ago

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/08/1386_homes_destroyed_in_bastro.html
1,386 homes destroyed in Bastrop County, officials confirm
September 8, 2011

Bastrop County officials confirmed Thursday morning that 1,386 homes have been destroyed due to the wildfires that began on Sunday.

 ::snipping2::

Rescuers have begun conducting house-by-house searches for potential fire victims, but so far, the death toll remains at two.
“That was the count as of last night,” said Mike Fisher, emergency management coordinator for Bastrop County. “We keep stressing that’s an estimate.”

Officials last night reached the tally after going “house by house and driveway by driveway,” Fisher said.

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/fire-victim-went-back-for-his-tools-mother-1827282.html
Fire victim went back for his tools, mother said
September 7, 2011

Michael Troy Farr went back, and it cost him his life.

The 48-year-old electrician heeded a call to evacuate his home near Smithville on Sunday evening as wildfires raged close by. On Monday morning, he returned to the house with his fiancée to get some tools, said his mother, Linda Appleton of Buda.

With the fire encroaching on his street, Farr told his fiancée to head for the motel where they had been staying and promised he would be there shortly, Appleton said. He never arrived.

"He was not raised to go back and save material things," Appleton said.

Officials said Farr, who had worked for the City of Austin since 2003, was found dead at his home Tuesday. He is one of two people found dead in separate locations in the two major Bastrop County fires, the larger of which has consumed nearly 800 houses and about 34,000 acres. The other victim's name has not been released.

Farr lived on Hudson Drive , southeast of Bastrop and northeast of Smithville. By nightfall Wednesday, firefighters in Chinook helicopters made run after run to drop water on hot spots and flames in the area as firefighters worked on the ground. Austin police and deputies kept residents from most of the area.

Sheriff Terry Pickering said Wednesday night that sheriff's officers, responding to a call for a welfare check from Farr's family, found his body outside his home, away from any structures, on Tuesday afternoon.
 ::snipping2::
While Farr's Facebook page showed little signs of use, he reported in January that he had become engaged. His mother said, "He finally found happiness again."

The couple lived together in the Hudson Drive home and planned to marry in November, Appleton said.

When they evacuated Sunday night, the couple had planned to go to Farr's sister's house in Manor, Appleton said, but with the highways in that direction blocked, they stayed the night at a motel in Giddings.

"The next morning he realized he was going to lose everything," Appleton said.

When he returned to his home to get his tools, Farr had his two dogs — Lucky, a small mixed-breed, and Buttons, Farr's trusty black-and-white spotted Chihuahua who slept in his bed every night, Appleton said.

Appleton, who said she learned the details about what happened Monday from her son's fiancée, said that some of Farr's neighbors were also on the street that day.

When one of the neighbors said he saw a house go up in flames down the street, Farr drove to take a look. When he returned, Farr said, "We have to go now; the fire's getting too close" and told his fiancée to go, Appleton said. "When she left, she said everything looked alright."

Farr's body was found in the yard, and his house and truck were completely torched, Appleton said. The dogs have not been found.
 ::snipping2::

I hope they get this off the ground soon...

http://www.ksat.com/weather/29115756/detail.html
Jetliner Remains Grounded
September 8, 2011

BASTROP, Texas -- A converted DC-10 jetliner capable of dropping 12,000 gallons of fire retardant remains on the sideline because officials cannot find a qualified pilot to fly it.

Holly Huffman, a Texas Forest Service spokeswoman, said the aircraft won't be used against the Texas wildfires until Friday morning. The aircraft, flown in from California, was in Austin on Wednesday night.

She said the agency is facing competition for pilots from other states, particularly California, that are also fighting blazes.

Huffman said the pilot who was supposed to conduct the drops has worked too many days in a row, and policy mandates two days off.
 ::snipping2::

http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News
 (http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News)

KXAN_News KXAN News
@
@lfelux the next press conf out of Bastrop is at 10:30. We'll be streaming it on kxan.com and carry it live on KXAN.
31 minutes ago

TXForestService Texas Forest Service
by KXAN_News
Texas wildfire update: bit.ly/ep8A4o (http://bit.ly/ep8A4o)
57 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)
keyetv keyetv
Here is the latest map of where the #Bastrop fire is burning. yfrog.com/kl7vmlrj (http://yfrog.com/kl7vmlrj) #txfire #centraltxfires
2 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin (http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin)
YNNAustin YNN Austin
Officials have released a map of when power will be back on in Bastrop. Dates range from Sept. 8-21, but the majority remains undetermined.
28 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News (http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News)

KXAN_News KXAN News
LIVE AT 10:30 A.M. Briefing from Bastrop on the latest wildfire information. tinyurl.com/4hsy2d3 (http://tinyurl.com/4hsy2d3) #centraltxwildfires #txwildfire
4 minutes ago

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/08/1386_homes_destroyed_in_bastro.html
1,386 homes estimated to be destroyed in Bastrop County
 September 8, 2011, 11:15 AM

(http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/austin/blotter/upload/2011/09/1386_homes_destroyed_in_bastro/bastropfires-thumb.jpg)

A new estimate puts the number of homes destroyed in Bastrop County at 1,386, officials said this morning.

The larger Bastrop fire was 30 percent contained as of Wednesday, officials said. That fire, dubbed the Complex fire, has burned 35,000 acres, officials said at a press conference at 10:45 a.m.

The smaller Union Chapel fire, on the west side of the city of Bastrop, has burned about 900 acres but was 90 percent contained Wednesday.
 ::snipping2::
So far, the death toll remains at two, including Michael Troy Farr, a 48-year-old City of Austin employee who was found Tuesday at his home on Hudson Drive near Smithville. Farr, an electrician who had worked for the city since 2003, worked in the building services division.

Officials have not released the second person’s identity or where he or she was found.
 ::snipping2::
Crews with Bluebonnet Electric Coop have been cleared to begin assessing damage and are working to restore power, chief executive and general manager Mark Rose said. The utility has posted a map online of when areas could have power restored.
M5X156_6A51_9.JPG

A 20-mile-stretch of Texas 71 from the Smithville area to U.S. 77 in La Grange was reopened yesterday, state Transportation Department spokesman John Hurt said this morning.

Texas 71 in the Bastrop area could reopen today in a best-case scenario, Hurt said.

Despite some reports yesterday, a 23-mile stretch of Texas 21 from Texas Loop 150 through the Bastrop State Park to U.S. 290 remains closed, Hurt said.

A boil-water notice is in effect for all of Bastrop County except for areas north of U.S. 290, officials said. The City of Bastrop is not included in the Boil Water order.

The U.S. Postal Service is holding Bastrop County mail, officials said.

A converted DC-10 jetliner that can drop 11,000 gallons of fire retardant remained grounded today because officials have no pilot to fly it and because the pump loading system is still being assembled.
 ::snipping2::
Winds are expected to be slightly quicker today than recent days, which could could create challenges for crews still battling fires around Central Texas.

In other parts of the region, firefighters made substantial progress containing area blazes.

The Steiner Ranch fire, which destroyed 24 homes and damaged 30 others, is 75 percent contained today, Travis County sheriff’s office spokesman Roger Wade said. That means that the fire is unlikely to spread along 75 percent of its perimeter.

The fire near Spicewood in western Travis County is 100 percent contained, and evacuated residents were allowed to return, Wade said. However, firefighters continue to address flare-ups and hotspots within the perimeter, he said.

That blaze destroyed 67 structures, including 34 homes, officials have said.

The Moonglow fire in Leander is now 95 percent contained, according to Williamson County’s emergency management website.

That fire destroyed 11 homes and damaged eight others.
 ::snipping2::

http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News (http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News)

KXAN_News KXAN News
Posted on our FB page: New group formed to help BastropCo families. on.fb.me/qCWx3j (http://on.fb.me/qCWx3j) #txfire
8 minutes ago

KXAN News
KXAN_News KXAN News
Thank you notes from the children of Bastrop Co. bit.ly/r1HKeb (http://bit.ly/r1HKeb) #txfire
15 minutes ago

I've read there are only between 50 to 100 acres of the 6000 acre Bastrop State Park that have not burned.  Big map...



http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin (http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin)

sprittibee Sprittibee
Bastrop State Park only has 100 acres left of the thousands that was not burned. Horrible satellite image: bit.ly/pE4GNg (http://bit.ly/pE4GNg) #TXfire
1 hour ago

(http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/news_images/bastrop_fire/bastrop_county_complex_fire_2011-09-07--~spot_image,_cnes_2011.jpg)

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)

SheltonG_KVUE Shelton Green
Electric company says to Evacuees, don't worry about your account, all fees will be waived, #centraltxfires
1 minute ago
statesman Austin Statesman
Officials say sticking to plan for fighting fire, reentry. Flare up earlier trapped crew, had to rescue via helicopter. #centraltxfires
3 minutes ago
KellyHanesNews Kelly Hanes
Fire Chief Mike Fisher says electric crew be rescued today from a flare up while working in the Bastrop Fire zone. #centraltxfires
3 minutes ago
keyetv keyetv
#Bastrop fire still 34,000 acres, still 30 percent contained. #centraltxfires
5 minutes ago
Austin Statesman
statesman Austin Statesman
Bastrop press conference: High winds have caused flare ups. Firefighters working to protect structures. #centraltxfires
6 minutes ago
Shelton Green
SheltonG_KVUE Shelton Green
#Bastrop, Hwy 21 road block moved. Still very active fire, more active this afternoon, #centraltxfires
6 minutes ago
keyetv
keyetv keyetv
#Bastrop update: Fire more active this afternoon, gone into structure protection mode. #centraltxfires
7 minutes ago


KUTNews KUT News
The Steiner Ranch fire is now 80 percent contained, up from 75 percent this morning: bit.ly/pV4Zfy #centraltxfires
11 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23txfire (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23txfire)

JonRHansen Jon R Hansen
“@DFWscanner Huge new fire south of Lake Whitney. Houses involved, lots of smoke. #txfire”
5 minutes ago
D/FW Police Scanner
DFWscanner D/FW Police Scanner
Huge new fire south of Lake Whitney. Houses involved, lots of smoke. #txfire
6 minutes ago

ae5qh William Gray
Fire in Alice Texas near 281 and 2044 #txfire
12 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23txfire (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23txfire)

WilsonLNU Wilson Lanue
New #Bastrop fire north of 71 on 1209 is at 50 acres. g.co/maps/9rpn7 (http://g.co/maps/9rpn7) #txfire #centraltxfire #txfires #centraltxfires
47 seconds ago

http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Tribute_To_Texas_Firefighters_Canceled_129477038.html
Tribute To Texas Firefighters Canceled
September 8, 2011

AUSTIN (September 8, 2011)--A weekend tribute to Texas firefighters was canceled Thursday because so many of the honorees are busy battling wildfires.

A spokeswoman for the Texas Wildlife Relief Fund says the group's ceremony, scheduled for Sunday on the steps of the Texas Capitol, has been canceled.

Kelsey Coleman told The Associated Press that the people the tribute was intended to honor, volunteer firefighters, are working to put our wildfires.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/politics/entries/2011/09/08/flareup_prompts_rescue_of_util.html
Bastrop flare-up prompts rescue of utility crews
September 8, 2011

BASTROP — In a dramatic operation, firefighters rescued utility crews from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative from a new flare-up in the still-burning Bastrop Complex wildfire.

The details of the rescue were made public late this afternoon by Mike Fisher, the county’s emergency management director, as a public warning about the dangers of returning to burned areas too soon.

Fisher said the utility repair crews in several bucket trucks were repairing overhead electric lines today in the fire zone off Texas 21 east of Bastrop when smoldering trees nearby flared up, a sudden burst fueled by increasing afternoon winds and low humidity.

“They were trapped,” Fisher said. “It was very serious.”

Authorities quickly diverted two water-carrying helicopters from a nearby mission, and after water was dropped on the fast-approaching fire, the crews were escorted to safety by fire crews and deputies who had raced to the scene.

“They are fine. Their equipment is fine,” Fisher said. “But this shows how, with the increasing winds and low humidity, the fire has become very active again in several areas.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/more-of-lake-travis-closed-due-to-fires
More of Lake Travis closed due to fires
Mansfield Dam to Mile Marker 5 now off limits
September 8, 2011

(http://media2.kxan.com//photo/2011/09/08/lcra_smoke_20110908151334_320_240.JPG)

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Lower Colorado River on Thursday expanded the area of Lake Travis that is closed for air support for firefighting efforts.

The lake now is closed for five miles – from Mansfield Dam to Mile Marker 5 to allow air support a safe place to draw water to fight area wildfires. LCRA will keep that portion of the lake closed until water from the lake is no longer needed for firefighting efforts.

The remainder of the lake is open.
 ::snipping2::

http://twitter.com/#!/search/links/%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search/links/%23centraltxfires)

Willie_J_Jones Willie Jones
Great shots of a terrible day RT @michaelwrose #Photos: Bastrop County Labor Day Wildfire lic.kr/s/aHsjvWayPi]flic.kr/s/aHsjvWayPi]lic.kr/s/aHsjvWayPi (http://flic.kr/s/aHsjvWayPi) #centraltxfires #txfire
4 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/search/links/%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search/links/%23centraltxfires)
statesman Austin Statesman
Images of the devastation as some Bastrop County residents are allowed to return home #centraltxfires bit.ly/pCDOql (http://bit.ly/pCDOql)
19 minutes ago  ( A lot of pictures at link)

http://twitter.com/#!/search/links/%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search/links/%23centraltxfires)
keyetv keyetv
pics of lost #bastrop pets at Austin Humane Society #Centraltxfires on.fb.me/oU3ssy (http://on.fb.me/oU3ssy)
2 minutes ago

http://www.space.com/12852-texas-wildfires-space-astronaut-photos.html
Astronauts Spot Texas Wildfires From Space
by Clara Moskowitz, SPACE.com Senior Writer
 September 7, 2011

(http://i.space.com/images/i/11927/i02/wildfires-garan2.jpg?1315410013)
Smoke wafts off the Earth from wildfires in Texas in this photo taken by space station astronaut Ron Garan on Sept. 6, 2011.
CREDIT: NASA/Ron Garan

The wildfires burning in Texas are visible all the way from space, as seen in photos by astronauts on the International Space Station.

NASA astronaut Mike Fossum was particularly saddened to see the fires, because Bastrop State Park, one of the damaged areas, is a favorite spot of his.

Fossum asked Mission Control to update him about the fires, which have raged over thousands of acres in Central Texas during the past week. The fires are thought to have been spurred by winds from Tropical Storm Lee, which swirled over the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend and made landfall on the Gulf Coast.
More...
Video at Link

http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin (http://twitter.com/#!/ynnaustin)
YNNAustin YNN Austin
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst now talking at Bastrop press conference. Tune into YNN, channel 8 or channel 1508.
14 minutes ago
YNN Austin
YNNAustin YNN Austin
Just in: ABIA says the tanker has NOT taken off yet.
25 minutes ago
YNN Austin
YNNAustin YNN Austin
The DC-10 tanker will NOT fly over Bastrop, unless wind conditions worsen. The plane is in E.TX right now. Please, forgive the typo earlier.
39 minutes ago
YNN Austin
YNNAustin YNN Austin
The DC-10 tanker will not be flying over Bastrop County unless wind conditions pick up, according to the TX Forest Service.
53 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23txfire (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23txfire)

keyetv keyetv
RT @suzannewblack: #Bastrop schools will open Monday. #centraltxfires #txfire
2 minutes ago
mkelly007 Mackenzie Kelly ♡
Here's the current State of Texas fire activity map: bit.ly/fmlKqz (http://bit.ly/fmlKqz) #txfire #centraltxfire
6 minutes ago
DFWscanner D/FW Police Scanner
Great map showing fires and smoke. Check out the smoke from the 50,000 acre wildfire north of Marshall, TX. #txfire - fb.me/yG6mpU8C (http://fb.me/yG6mpU8C)
16 minutes ago
DFWscanner D/FW Police Scanner
GRIMES/MONTGOMERY/WALLER COUNTIES - Fire is now 12,500 acres with a fire line 9.5 miles long & 3 miles wide. 50% contained. #txfire
20 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23txfire (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23txfire)

DFWscanner D/FW Police Scanner
From the TFS: The DC10 is airborne! Possibly headed to the Tri-County Fire near Todd Mission, TX (not confirmed). #txfire #centraltxfires
43 seconds ago

http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News (http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News)
TXForestService Texas Forest Service
by KXAN_News
The DC 10 is airborne.
2 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23txfire (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23txfire)
CalFireNews Cal Fire News
#TxFire The DC-10 Air Tanker(VLAT) has been scrubbed from Bastrop County Fire, Firefighters getting handle on #wildfire
5 minutes ago

http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/09/08/3349133/texas-forest-service-grappling.html
Texas Forest Service grappling with funding cuts
September 8, 2011

As the Texas Forest Service battles what may be the state's most destructive wildfire outbreak ever, state lawmakers are facing criticism that they have has taken a penny-wise-pound-foolish approach to funding the agency.

Texas is one of the few states that rely primarily on volunteer fire departments to protect rural areas from wildfires. About 330 firefighters with the forest service traditionally serve as a second tier of defense when such fires get larger than the local department can handle.

The Legislature cut the agency's funding this year to $83 million from $117 million, according to Robby DeWitt, the forest service's associate finance director.

Chris Barron, executive director of the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas, said: "It's very frustrating that they don't have the proper tools and resources to fight these fires. If fire departments had enough funding, if the forest service had enough funding, we wouldn't be in this predicament over each and every year."

The issue is drawing more attention in part because of the sheer scope of the Central Texas wildfire, which has destroyed more than 1,500 homes and killed at least two people. There's also a new political component as critics charge that the budget cuts are proof that the fiscal restraint Gov. Rick Perry is touting on the presidential campaign trail comes at a price.

Perry's office did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. Perry has previously said that his push this year to preserve billions in the rainy day fund was partly in case of a natural disaster. FEMA has begun approving requests for aid.
 ::snipping2::
DeWitt said the latest funding cuts translate mostly into the agency approving fewer grants for new equipment for volunteer fire departments. That fund had to be cut from $23 million to $7 million, he said. Since 2003, the fund has been used largely to defray costs for new trucks for volunteer departments, with lesser amounts spent on safety gear and training.

"What we're planning is to not award grants for trucks," DeWitt said. "That's the biggest expenditure."

He said the cuts do not directly affect operational costs for volunteer fire departments, most of which are financed at the local level.

The firemen's association is drawing attention to the state's funding woes as it solicit donations to buy wildfire-fighting gear for the state's volunteer firefighters. Many firefighters have gear for fighting only structural fires, which isn't practical for use in wildfires, Barron said. As a result, some firefighters are battling blazes in their "street clothes," he said

The fund has drawn about $200,000 in donations since May, but the Association has $500,000 in requests for gear, said Kelsey Coleman, a spokeswoman for the Texas Wildfire Relief Fund.
 ::snipping2::

http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?id=12888
CURRENT TEXAS WILDFIRE SITUATION
Wildfire update – Sept. 9, 2011

Current situation:

· Yesterday Texas Forest Service responded to 19 new fires for 673 acres, including new large fires in Camp and Hill counties.

· In the past seven days Texas Forest Service has responded to 186 fires for 156,517 acres.

· 250 of the 254 Texas counties are reporting burn bans.

· Daily detailed fire information can be found at inciweb.org. (http://inciweb.org.)


New large fires from yesterday (more than 100 acres in timber, 300 acres in lighter fuels; or where homes were lost):

HICKORY HILL CEMETERY, Camp County. 181 acres, contained. Burning in cutover and pine. This fire started Tuesday, however TFS resources were not utilized until yesterday.

DAM, Hill County. 250 acres, 80 percent contained. It appears that up to six homes were lost on this fire yesterday.

 
Uncontained fires from previous days (more than 100 acres in timber, 300 acres in lighter fuels):
(See long list at link)

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/09/firefighting_efforts_see_good.html
Firefighters had ‘good night’ in Bastrop; schools to reopen Monday
September 9, 2011


(http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/austin/blotter/upload/2011/09/firefighting_efforts_see_good/WEB0910bastropfires-thumb.jpg)

Firefighting efforts in Bastrop County have reached day six, and emergency crews gained progress Thursday night against a blaze that has consumed hundreds of homes and thousands of acres.

The news bodes well for residents hoping to return to homes that survived the massive fires, which have consumed 36,000 acres and nearly 1,400 homes at last count.
“We had a pretty good night,” said Mike Fisher, coordinator of emergency management for Bastrop County. “We didn’t lose any new acreage.”

Bastrop County officials, who were joined by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, spoke to residents and the media in a morning briefing in which they discussed power restoration, school openings, donations and a pending request for federal disaster relief.
 ::snipping2::
Mark Rose, the CEO of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, said more than 100 crews are continuing to assess the situation and restore power to homes that were not affected by the wildfire.
 ::snipping2::
But residents will not be allowed back to their properties until all utility poles have been extinguished and other fires have been put out, Rose said.

Rose added that his crews will energize the areas west of Tahitian Drive soon, but areas to the east cannot get power soon.

“Our first priority is to get people in non-burned areas home,” Rose said.

No new areas were opened to residents today.
 ::snipping2::
A cause and the location where the fire started have not been been determined, McDonald said.

Donations have been pouring in at such a voluminous pace that the county had all it can hold as of this morning, Fisher said. He added, however, that his staff is trying to find another location for more donations in the coming days.
 ::snipping2::
Bastrop schools will be open Monday, Superintendent Steve Murray said. Residents have asked him to help try to return to some semblance of normalcy as soon as possible, he said.

Business as usual might be impossible, Murray said, but the district will do what it can to help students. Counselors will be on hand at the school, as they have at shelters, he said.

Normally, the district has about 300 homeless students, which require certain allowances, but Murray said he expects that number to increase by three times, four times or more because of the fire.

All students will get free breakfast and lunch next week, Murray said.

“We’ll see where it goes beyond that,” he said.

Smithville school officials also intend to open Monday, the district announced on its website.

“Buses will pick up displaced students at Smithville Recreation Center and First Baptist Church between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m.,” the statement said. “Displaced students temporarily housed outside the Smithville ISD boundaries, please contact the SISD offices at 512-237-2487 for pick up arrangements.”

Bastrop County residents living south of U.S. 290 and not in the city of Bastrop are being asked to boil their water before drinking it.
 ::snipping2::
McDonald said 844 personnel are on the ground fighting the fire, along with three helicopters and 143 engines.

Fisher said it is unlikely that firefighters will need to use a DC-10 plane that has been on standby at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

There was confusion involving the air support, with some saying that the plane, which was moved here from California, would be used for the Bastrop fire. However, the plane is dedicated to be on call for any Texas fire, and at this time, Bastrop area officials have not deemed it necessary.

It’s a costly option, too, as each use runs at least $70,000, Fisher said.

“It’s an asset, it’s available,” he said.
The plane left Austin shortly before 11 a.m. to fight the Riley Road fire northwest of Houston that spans four counties, Texas Forest Service officials said. That fire, which has consumed 15,000 acres, continues to grow and burn additional acres, said Nick Harrison, a spokesman for the service.
 ::snipping2::
A few residents who attended the morning briefing shouted out questions about help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said at the briefing that he wrote a second letter today to President Barack Obama, asking for aid.

The letter came from Dewhurst because he’s the acting governor while Gov. Rick Perry is out of state.

A disaster declaration would give Texas access to heavy equipment and federal dollars, said Dewhurst, who’s running for U.S. Senate.

“We need help yesterday,” Dewhurst said. But so far, he added, “Nothing’s happened.”

Speaking directly to the president, Dewhurst said: “Mr. President, we need a statewide disaster declaration right away.”

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/09/09/texas.fires/
Frustrations boil over as Texas wildfires turn up the heat
September 9, 2011

Bastrop, Texas (CNN) -- Texas is in urgent need of a federal disaster declaration to help respond to wildfires throughout the state, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said Friday.

Nearly 1,400 homes have been destroyed in Bastrop County, Texas, since a wildfire started there six days ago, Dewhurst said. Other major fires are burning in Cass, Travis, Grimes, Montgomery and Waller counties, according to the Texas Forest Service.

Dewhurst, who is acting governor while Gov. Rick Perry travels, said he got no response to a statewide disaster declaration request earlier this week. So he has signed another one to drive the point home.
 ::snipping2::
There was no immediate response from the White House.

A disaster declaration would give the state access to heavy equipment, personnel, supplies and other support that would help it respond after nearly 300 consecutive days of wildfires, Dewhurst said.

Obama has approved a limited disaster declaration for fires in April and May.

"But this problem has been ongoing since January," Dewhurst said. "And if anything it's gotten worse."

Dewhurst said despite the situation with the statewide declaration, Texas officials were working with Federal Emergency Management Agency to get disaster declarations for specific counties, including Bastrop.

At more than 34,000 acres, the Bastrop County Complex fire near Austin is the largest burning in the state. It has turned parts of the county into a nearly post-apocalyptic scene.

"Utility poles are still burning, stumps are still burning, wire is hanging through the air with only half a pole, swinging. Lines are on the ground," said Mark Rose, general manager and CEO of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative.
The fire was an estimated 30 percent contained Friday. Dewhurst said firefighters had been able to stop its forward progress, but Bastrop emergency management coordinator Mike Fisher said fires and hot spots are scattered throughout the county.

Elsewhere in the state, the forest service said a fire that may have burned up to 40,000 acres in Cass County was continuing to spread. The Bear Creek Fire had destroyed eight homes and was being battled by everything from ground crews to heavy airtankers, the forest service said.

And another major fire near Houston was 60 percent contained, the forest service said Friday. The Riley Road fire had affected 15,000 acres in Grimes, Montgomery and Waller counties and was moving to the southwest through Waller, the forest service reported.

The Texas Forest Service said it had responded to 186 fires covering 156,517 acres in the last week. Nineteen new fires broke out Thursday, the agency said, most of them small ones.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2011/09/fires-heading-toward-harris-county.html?ana=twt
Fires heading toward Harris County
September 9, 2011

The runaway fire that has burned 12,600 acres north of Houston, and is only 50 percent contained as of late Thursday, is nearing Harris County.

The fire, which started Monday, has already consumed thousands of acres in Montgomery, Grimes and Waller counties. The fire’s edge is on the Waller-Harris county line, the Houston Chronicle reported.
 ::snipping2::
(Interactive map at link in article)

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires)


RepLloydDoggett Lloyd Doggett
I'm happy to report Pres Obama just signed major disaster declaration that will mean ind assistance to families in Bastrop #centraltxfires
7 hours ago
Texas Storm Chasers
txstormchasers Texas Storm Chasers
President Obama has signed a Federal Declaration of Disaster for Texas, allowing for more resources. #txfire #centraltxfires
7 hours ago
D/FW Police Scanner
DFWscanner D/FW Police Scanner
President Obama has signed Texas' Disaster Declaration. Now government aid will be supplied to those who need it! #txfire #centraltxfires
7 hours ago

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/social-media-help-spread-fire-info-but-its-1833823.html
Social media help spread fire info, but it's not always accurate
September 9, 2011

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/austin-humane-society-working-to-care-for-find-1833787.html
Austin Humane Society working to care for, find owners of pets separated by wildfires
September 9, 2011

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/what-does-containment-mean%3F
What does 'containment' mean?
September 10, 2011

 ::snipping2::
TFS said few wildfires are ever actually "put out." In most cases, firefighters work to build containment lines around the fire and strengthen those lines to make them secure. The focus is to keep the fire from escaping containment. Sometimes the lines are made by one or more bulldozers. Sometimes a road, river or other secure, defensible barrier is used, but, the goal is always to keep the fire from escaping and growing larger. In most cases, wildfire burning within containment lines has little to no impact on local communities, so the fire is considered to be “contained” based on the percentage of the perimeter that has secure lines.

In the case of the Bastrop Fire, there are hundreds, even thousands, of homes within the perimeter lines of the fire. Firefighters are not simply attempting to keep the fire within the containment lines. An equally important goal is to protect those homes that have survived the fire and are located within the fire perimeter. Because they are located in close proximity to active fire and because of the historic dry conditions and abundance of unburned fuel, these homes are still seriously at risk.

“Fighting the Bastrop Fire is extremely complicated," said Tony Wilder, incident commander for the Southern Area Red team. "Because there are many homes at risk within the perimeter of the fire, we have to divide our attention between securing the perimeter and protecting homes that are still at risk. This takes a lot of time and work. There has been much progress made, as evidenced by the areas that have been opened for reentry. On this fire, progress must be recognized as more than ‘percent contained’. We have to look at all the areas that have been made safe by firefighters, as well as containment. We simply haven’t had a measure for expressing how much progress we’ve made.”

Citizens are reminded there will be hazards in local communities as a result of the Bastrop Fire for weeks, even months. In many cases, the root systems of trees are compromised, and the trees could blow over in even a light wind. As the trees die, needles leaves and branches will fall to the ground, creating a new fuel base. Fire that has smoldered unseen can ignite bringing fire back into the area and threatening homes again.
 ::snipping2::

http://galleries.statesman.com/gallery/wildfires-burn-across-central-texas/220696/#220689
Wildfires burn across Central Texas
Thursday, September 8, 2011 (updated on 9/10/2011 at 1:06 p.m.)
(527 photos)

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/10/bastrop_fire_40_percent_contai.html
Bastrop fire 40 percent contained; second fire victim identified
September 10, 2011

BASTROP COUNTY — Seven days after it sparked, the largest wildfire in Bastrop County is 40 percent contained, authorities announced this afternoon.

Two people died in the blaze, including Michael Troy Farr, a 48-year-old City of Austin employee who was found Tuesday at his home on Hudson Drive near Smithville.

Today, officials released the name of the second victim — 58-year-old Vickie Faye Keenan.

Bastrop County Sheriff Terry Pickering said Keenan was found Tuesday in the doorway of a metal shed at 253 Ponderosa Loop in Paige, near where the fire started.

Keenan, a retired administrative assistant, was staying with a friend at the Circle D residence, Pickering said. He said he didn’t know for how long or why she was staying there. He also said he didn’t know where she’s from.

Pickering said she likely died of smoke inhalation.

The fire has consumed about 34,000 acres, said authorities, who also confirmed that residences at an additional 122 addresses were destroyed by the fire, bringing the total number of known burned residences to 622.

Officials have estimated that about 1,400 homes were destroyed in the blaze.

“If your house is not posted on the list, it doesn’t mean it’s not destroyed,” Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald cautioned.

Texas 71 reopened this morning, and all residents who were displaced by the Union Chapel fire have been allowed to return to their homes.
 ::snipping2::
President Barack Obama late Friday issued a major disaster declaration, allowing for a significant infusion of federal aid into the area affected by wildfires that started on Aug. 30 or later, according to the White House.
More...

I think Rick Perry needs to get his priorities straight.  If he was home in Austin on Saturday (after being on campaign trail) why didn't he take the approximately 24 mile, 40 minute drive to Bastrop and attend the press conference?  What kind of logistical problems are involved in that? A "late location change for the news conference didn't allow Perry to get there in time?"  Really?   He may have capable people to handle things in his absence, but there are times when we need leadership at the helm.  Texans are hurting.  C'mon Rick step up and take care of your home state FIRST.  You are still governor here, right?  "You dance with those what brung you."  JMHO

http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280398/bastrop-press-conference-continues-without-perry
Bastrop press conference continues without Perry
September 10, 2011

Gov. Perry was expected at a fire update in Bastrop Saturday afternoon, but he never appeared.

A spokesperson for the governor said a late change of location for the news conference didn't allow Perry to get there in time.

During the conference, officials announced more than 180 people had been issued vouchers Saturday. The voucher program allows residents to move into longer term housing.

Officials also touched on how the federal disaster declaration, signed by President Obama Friday night, means FEMA funding and resources will be freed up for Texans.

Officials still urged the need of donations for affected families.
 ::snipping2::
The Bastrop Complex fire has spanned more than 34,000 acres and destroyed almost 1400 homes.



 
 

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/constable-guarding-damaged-steiner-ranch-homes-collapses-dies-1838760.html
Constable guarding damaged Steiner Ranch homes collapses, dies
September 10, 2011

Travis County Constable Cpl. Kevin Aigner died on duty Saturday after having trouble breathing. He was 38.

Precinct 2 Constable Adan Ballesteros said Aigner was helping to guard homes damages in the Steiner Ranch wildfire.

He collapsed and was taken via STAR Flight to Seton Medical Center. He died after leaving the scene, Ballesteros said.
 ::snipping2::
Aigner was a highly decorated deputy and had been a peace officer since 1996. He has served as a deputy constable in Precinct 2 since March 2000.

Aigner leaves behind a wife, two daughters and two sons.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/for-firefighters-losing-houses-was-personal-1838236.html
For firefighters, losing houses was personal
September 10, 2011

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23centraltxfires

cmrwilliams Camille Williams
Sheriff says there are 17 people unaccounted for. The names will be posted outside the Convention Ctr in Bastrop. #centraltxfires#txfires
1 minute ago

cmrwilliams Camille Williams
Those 17 people have not checked into a shelter. You can call 512-332-8814 or 512-332-8856 to check in.#bastropfires #centraltxfires#txfires
1 minute ago

Pamela Oldham
pamelaoldham Pamela Oldham
Re-entry maps are posted at #Bastrop convention center. #centralTXfires #txfire
1 minute ago

Pamela Oldham
pamelaoldham Pamela Oldham
About 17 #Bastrop residents are unaccounted for. Officials asking for assistance. #CentralTXFires #TXfire
2 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News (http://twitter.com/#!/KXAN_News)

KXAN_News KXAN News
All Bastrop ISD students will get free breakfast and lunch this week.
6 minutes ago

KXAN News
KXAN_News KXAN News
1554 homes confirmed destroyed in Bastrop Fire.
12 minutes ago

KXAN News
KXAN_News KXAN News
Boil water notice remains in effect for Bastrop
21 minutes ago

KXAN News
KXAN_News KXAN News
Bastrop Sheriffs Office reports that 17 people still unaccounted for.
41 minutes ago

http://powerfulstorms.com/texas-forest-service-bastrop-county-fire-complex-fact-sheet/
Texas Forest Service – Bastrop County Fire Complex Fact Sheet
September 11, 2011

Bastrop County Fire Complex

FACT SHEET

Acres: 34,068 Total

Start date of fire: September 4, 2011

Cause: Under investigation

Location: 6 miles northeast of Bastrop, Texas

Containment: 50% (Bastrop Fire); 90 percent (Union Chapel Fire)

Fuels: Timber/residential area

Total personnel: 1093

Resources: 16 crews, 126 engines, 8 water tenders, 26 dozers

UPDATE-Firefighters are working diligently to contain the Bastrop County Complex which consists of the Bastrop Fire (33,349 acres) and the Union Chapel Fire (719 acres), reinforcing containment lines with help from dozers and conducting suppression operations searching out and extinguishing flames from hot spots around existing homes in efforts to prevent any more homes from burning. The Union Chapel Fire is 90 percent contained as of Friday morning. Re-entry for residents to this area occurred today at 10 am. State Highway 71 was also re-opened today.

CURRENT CONDITION OF BASTROP FIRE AREA-After a fire burns through a residential area, many hazards may still exist because of the disruption of the infrastructure in place such as affected electrical, water, gas, telephone lines, crude oil wells, roads, dead trees and limbs and stump holes that may still be smoldering. Re-construction and re-charging of live electrical power lines are also taking place in order to restore power so residents may return home. Firefighters are also cutting and removing hazard trees that may fall at any time-even from light wind gusts. A night shift of firefighters is patrolling the perimeter of the fire to ensure hot spots are extinguished so that fire does not flare up. An infrared flight has been conducted for the last three nights to detect hot spots within and around the fire perimeter so firefighters can be directed to these specific areas.

County and city cooperators such as utility companies are also working to re-establish utilities for residents as quickly and efficiently as possible within this hazardous area. Some roads have been temporarily closed for public safety. The fire area and subdivisions under evacuations are being patrolled by law enforcement 24 hours a day to prevent looting.

ASSISTANCE: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or www.DisasterAssistance.gov or dial 211 for local information and statewide public services (housing, food, clothing, health care, support groups, disaster information, etc.).

SAFETY MESSAGE-The safety of the public and firefighters is first priority. For the safety of residents, the Bastrop Fire area is being assessed by emergency personnel for hazards that need to be mitigated before local residents can safely re-enter these areas.

EVACUATIONS AND ROAD CLOSURES:
More...

For further information, go to the Bastrop County website at http://www.co.bastrop.tx.us/or call 512-332-8814 or 512-332-8856. Also see http://www.inciweb.org for updates, maps and photos.

https://www.facebook.com/ynnaustin

https://www.facebook.com/ynnaustin
YNN Austin If you have information on any of these people, please call (512) 332-8814 or (512) 332-8856 ASAP.
36 minutes ago · 1 person

YNN Austin
Here’s who is unaccounted for in Bastrop County, 22 people total: Lindsey Walker, Arlene Paige, Lynn Conner, Barbara Bunklage, Nancy and Ronnie Austead, Ted and Loranne Regan, Steve Ingram, Joyce O’Grady, Kim Johns, Gaylon Sampson, Dorthy Dylan, Mark and Ethol Ehato, Cheyene Smith, Chris Van Bibber, Lynn McGarrahan, Bo and Ray Ahelton, Frank and Elizabeth Evans
Share · 37 minutes ago

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/11/17_people_unaccounted_for_afte.html?cxntcid=breaking_news
22 people unaccounted for after Bastrop County fires, authorities say
September 11, 2011

UPDATE: Authorities have released the names of 22 people they say they are looking for after the Bastrop County fires:

Lindsey Walker

Arlene Paige

Lynn Conner

Barbara Bunklage

Nancy and Ronnie Austead

Ted and Loranne Regan

Steve Ingram

Joyce O’Grady

Kim Johns

Gaylon Sampson

Dorthy Dylan

Mark and Ethol Ehato

Cheyene Smith

Chris Van Bibber

Lynn McGarrahan

Bo and Ray Ahelton

Frank and Elizabeth Evans

Twenty-two people in the areas affected by the Bastrop Complex fire have not yet been accounted for, Bastrop County Sheriff Terry Pickering said today.

However, he emphasized that that does not necessarily mean that any of them perished in the week-long, 34,000-acre forest fire east of Bastrop.

“We have about 17 people we have not heard from,” Pickering said in a news conference. “Some of these people may have been on vacation, or whatever.”

Actually, the list involves 12 individuals and five couples, a total of 22 people.

He said their names will be posted at the Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center and online later today, and that the sheriff’s department would like to hear from them as soon as possible so the agency can “check them off the list.”

The phone numbers are 512-332-8814 and 512-332-8857. The American-Statesman will publish the names as soon as they become available.
 ::snipping2::

Three persons found safe so far, per this article:
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/11/some_on_missing_list_turn_up_q.html
Some on missing list turn up quickly
September 11, 2011 3:05 p.m.

http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280404/several-evacuees-located-after-posting-of-missings-persons-list
Several evacuees located after posting of missings persons list
September 11, 2011 Updated 5:58 p.m.

Shortly after releasing a list of unaccounted for evacuees, several missing persons have been located.

The remaining missing Bastrop County residents have not checked into a shelter and have not been heard from since the fire.

Anyone with contact to any of the following people are urged to ask them to call (512) 332-8814 or (512) 332-8856 immediately.

• Lindsey Walker
• Arlene Paige
• Lynn Conner
• Barbara Bunklage
• Nancy and Ronnie Austead
• Ted and Loranne Regan
• Steve Ingram
• Joyce O’Grady
• Kim Johns - FOUND
• Mark and Ethol Ehato
• Cheyene Smith
• Chris Van Bibber
• Lynn McGarrahan
• Bo and Ray Ahelton
• Frank and Elizabeth Evans - FOUND
• Dorothy Dylan - FOUND
• Gaylon Sampson - FOUND

More...

I hope everyone on the list is well and accounted for soon.

http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280404/several-evacuees-located-after-posting-of-missing-persons-list
Several evacuees located after posting of missing persons list
September 11, 2011 7:12 p.m.

Shortly after releasing a list of unaccounted for evacuees, several missing persons have been located.

The remaining missing Bastrop County residents have not checked into a shelter and have not been heard from since the fire.

Anyone with contact to any of the following people are urged to ask them to call (512) 332-8814 or (512) 332-8856 immediately.

• Lindsey Walker
• Arlene Paige
• Lynn Conner
• Barbara Bunklage
• Nancy and Ronnie Austead - FOUND
• Ted and Loranne Regan
• Steve Ingram
• Joyce O’Grady - FOUND
• Kim Johns - FOUND
• Mark and Ethol Ehato
• Cheyene Smith - FOUND
• Chris Van Bibber
• Lynn McGarrahan
• Bo and Ray Ahelton
• Frank and Elizabeth Evans - FOUND
• Dorothy Dylan - FOUND
• Gaylon Sampson - FOUND

Officials also said the number of homes destroyed has increased to 1,554 and that number is expected to increase. The fire is currently 50 percent contained and spans more than 34,000 acres.
 ::snipping2::

I hope the remaining 8 people listed as missing are well and can be accounted for soon.

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/11/some_on_missing_list_turn_up_q.html
Bastrop officials’ list of missing drops to 8 people
September 11, 2011 7:30 p.m.

Update, 7:27 p.m.: Bastrop County officials said Sunday evening that eight people in the areas affected by the large Bastrop County fire have not yet been accounted for. That about a third of the number on a list released earlier in the day.

The current list, down from 22 names Sunday morning, as provided by officials:

Barbara Bunklage

Mark and Ethol Ehato

Steve Ingram

Arlene Paige

Ted and Loranne Regan

Lindsey Walker

Officials have requested that anyone who finds their name on that list call 512-332-8814 or 512-332-8857.
 ::snipping2::

Muffy thank you for bringing all these news reports on the dreadful fires.

My prayers continue to go to all people who have lost loved ones and property.

You're welcome Tibro.  From what I've read in your thread, you've also become familiar with wildfire.  The problem right now beyond the folks that are going to be trying to rebuild their lives is the continuing threat of more fire.  The areas are in extreme drought and there is no rain in the forecast.  It's so dry, it doesn't take much to spark a fire.  And of course, some of the fires are not totally contained and can flare back up. 

Folks have been very generous to others in their time of need, and that's heartwarming.  Thank you for the prayers. 

Six is still six too many, but the list is dwindling.  I hope before long, all will be safe and accounted for.

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/list-of-missing-people-down-to-six
List of missing people down to six
Officials want to make sure all are checked in
September 12, 2011

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - Bastrop County officials said they have yet to account for six people whose neighborhoods were evacuated because the wildfires, down from 22 people throughout the weekend.

Bastrop County Sheriff Terry Pickering said at a weekend news briefing that if anyone knew any of the unaccounted people to contact sheriff's officials.

List of missing people

    Lindsey Walker
    Mark Ehato
    Ethol Ehato
    Arlene Paige
    Barbara Bunklage
    Steve Ingram

"They've not checked into a shelter and no one has heard from them," said Pickering.

In addition to a list of unaccounted-for residents, county officials have also posted a re-entry map and an updated re-entry plan for residents at the Bastrop Cconvention Center and online.
 ::snipping2::

They're still looking for two more residents, and I hope they are found safe and soon!

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/12/power_restored_to_more_people.html
Only two people unaccounted for in Bastrop County; more burned-out areas to open this week, officials say
September 12, 2011

BASTROP — Only two of the 22 people listed Sunday as unaccounted for in the Bastrop County wildfires are still missing, officials confirmed at a press conference about 10:30 a.m. today.

The two missing residents were identified only as Arlene Page and Steve Ingram, Bastrop County Sheriff Terry Pickering said. Officials are continuing attempts to locate them, he said.

Announcement of the downsized list drew loud applause at a morning public briefing by emergency officials at the Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call 512-332-8814 or 512-332-8857.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/texas/wildfires-cost-small-fire-departments
Wildfires cost small fire departments
Spicewood fire leaves thousands in repair bills
September 12, 2011

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/hill_country/constables-funeral-will-be-friday
Constable's funeral will be Friday
Died over the weekend on duty at Steiner Ranch
September 12, 2011

(http://media2.kxan.com//photo/2011/09/10/Kevin_A_20110910154644_320_240.JPG)
Corporal Kevin Aigner

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The funeral for Cpl. Kevin Aigner of the Travis County Constable's Office will be held 10 a.m. Friday.

Aigner, 38, died Saturday while working at Steiner Ranch as part of the security detail related the the recent fires.

The service will be held at Hill Country Bible Church Northwest, 12124 RR 620 North, Austin.

He will be buried at Cook Walden/Capital Parks 14501 N Interstate 35, Pflugerville. Visitation will be at Cook Walden/Capital Parks on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Officials said Aigner started feeling ill around 10:45 a.m. while responding to needed work from wildfire damage at Steiner Ranch.

Aigner was transferred by STAR Flight to Seton Medical Center where he died.
More...

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/memorial-set-for-bastrop-fire-victim
Memorial set for Bastrop fire victim
Service on Saturday in Cedar Park
September 12, 2011

(http://media2.kxan.com//photo/2011/09/07/MichaelTroyFarr_20110907161457_320_240.JPG)
City of Austin employee Michael Troy Farr died in the Bastrop County wildfire (Courtesy: Facebook)

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - A memorial service will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. for Michael Troy Farr , 48, the first of two victims identified last week who died in the Bastrop fire.

The service will be at Beck Funeral Home at 1700 E. Whitestone Blvd. in Cedar Park.
More...

Today, only one resident, Steve Ingram is still reported as missing.  I hope Mr. Ingram will be found safe and soon! Rescue teams are expected to finish searching all burned areas by Monday.

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/13/reentry_into_some_bastrop_neig.html?cxntfid=blogs_the_blotter
Re-entry into some Bastrop neighborhoods pushed back
September 13, 2011

BASTROP — Bastrop County officials, concerned about higher temperatures and winds in the next few days, have pushed back the time when some residents will be allowed to return to their homes.

Residents of the Tahitian Village east and Colovista neighborhoods will not be allowed to return to the areas until 10 a.m. Thursday at the earliest, sheriff Terry Pickering said at a news conference this morning. Those residents had been told they could re-enter the neighborhoods on Wednesday.

“I understand this is frustrating for a lot of folks,” Pickering said, adding that he’s worried about fires getting worse over the next few days.
 ::snipping2::
The largest fire in Bastrop County was about 70 percent contained last night, officials said.

Fires have burned about 34,000 acres, or about 25 percent of Bastrop County, said Mike Fisher, the county’s emergency management coordinator. A cause of the largest fire is still being investigated, Fisher said.

About 2,500 Bluebonnet Electric Coop meters remain without power, CEO Mark Rose said. It could be until early October before power is fully restored, particularly within the Bastrop State Park, he said.

“There’s no shortage of crews,” Rose said. “We really can’t put more people into some of the areas. We must work safe.”
 ::snipping2::
Aqua Water Supply Corp.’s website contains a form that customers can use to prioritize water restoration, officials said. People are also being asked to get a permit at the water district office before clearing debris, officials said.
 ::snipping2::
Two people have died in the Bastrop County wildfires: Michael Farr, 48, and Vickie Keenan, 58. Only one of the 22 people listed Sunday as unaccounted for was still missing today.

Bastrop County Sheriff Terry Pickering said rescue teams were expected to complete a search of all burned areas by late Monday.

The missing resident was identified only as Steve Ingram. Pickering said Ingram might not have been in the area during the fire and might be only a property owner or former resident. Anyone with information on Ingram’s whereabouts is asked to call 512-332-8814 or 512-332-8857.

The McKinney Roughs Nature Park in Bastrop, several miles west of the burn area, reopened this morning after officials closed it for more than a week, the Lower Colorado River Authority said.

The river authority’s South Shore and North Shore parks, located on Lake Bastrop, are still closed and not expected to reopen until at least the end of the week, the authority said.

None of the parks were damaged by fire, but water and power have been out at some parks, spokeswoman Clara Tuma said. Water and power have been restored to McKinney Roughs, she said.

A burn ban remains in effect in all authority parks.

The Bastrop State Park remains closed, officials said.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/fleet-of-firefighting-aircraft-to-be-stationed-in-1850786.html
Fleet of firefighting aircraft to be stationed in Austin
September 12, 2011

ustin-Bergstrom International Airport will be home to five firefighting aircraft, including one of the largest tanker planes in the world, in case more wildfires break out in the state, an Austin congressman announced Monday.

In front of the backdrop of a 1970s-era white and orange DC-10 jetliner that was retrofitted to fight wildfires, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, said he spoke with U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell in recent days. " The right approach is to have federal aviation assets strategically pre-positioned to deploy within hours instead of days," McCaul said. "This has to be a priority moving forward."

The planes at the ready in Austin include four C-130s, the giant propeller-driven workhorses of the military, that have been fit with tanks that can hold about 3,000 gallons of retardant. Also ready to go is one privately owned DC-10 that can hold almost 12,000 gallons of retardant, making it one of the largest capacity tankers anywhere. The repurposed jet can spray the chemicals in a swath three-quarters of a mile long, said Rick Hatton, president of 10 Tanker Air Carrier, which owns the DC-10.

McCaul said the aircraft will be in Austin "as long as they need to be."

Hatton, however, said he could redeploy the plane anytime. But he said it wouldn't go anywhere soon. "We'll be there as long as they want us this year," he said.

Hatton said 10 Tanker Air Carrier is on a call-when-needed contract, which is fine for helicopters and other small planes that can do several jobs, but not for specific-use planes like the DC-10. Hatton said he wants an exclusive-use contract, similar to a retainer, that would allow the company to add planes, hire more crews and place planes strategically across the country for faster deployment.

Part of the reason that the DC-10 didn't fight the Bastrop fire was the airport wasn't equipped to handle it. Officials called in the tanker on the third or fourth day of the wildfire. It took two days to set up operations at the airport, and by that time, the plane wasn't needed, Hatton said.

"It could have had a major, significant impact on the fire in Bastrop," McCaul said of the DC-10, which helped quickly extinguish a wildfire in Montgomery and Waller counties in recent weeks.

As the chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight of the U.S. House's Homeland Security Committee, McCaul said he'd hold hearings on the red tape that slowed the deployment of aerial firefighting assets.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/area-wildfires-costliest-in-state-history-1850464.html
Area wildfires costliest in state history
Published September 12, 2011, Updated September 13, 2011

(Two that have died in the Bastrop Fire.  There were two others, a mother and 18 mo child that died in a wildfire in Gladewater, TX)
(http://www.statesman.com/multimedia/dynamic/01126/Michael-Troy-Farr-_1126369k.jpg)
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Michael Farr
(http://www.statesman.com/multimedia/dynamic/01126/Vickie-Keenan-OBIT_1126468k.jpg)
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Vickie Keenan


BASTROP — The Insurance Council of Texas reported Monday that estimated losses due to recent wildfires in Central Texas are $250 million, by far the costliest in the state's history.

Wildfires in 2009 caused about $115 million in damage statewide, said council spokesman Mark Hanna. The destruction in Bastrop County from the current wildfire is estimated at $150 million.

"There's just no comparison to any other wildfires we've ever experienced," Hanna said. However, natural disasters have cost Texans far more, he said. Hurricane Ike was the most expensive at $12 billion.

Firefighting teams Monday worked to extinguish final stubborn flare-ups in the massive, week-old Bastrop blaze, even as gusty winds rekindled several hot spots.

"It seems like we've got a really good handle on the remaining fires," said Nim Kidd, the state's emergency management director. "But we've still got work to do."

Officials said Monday that the larger Bastrop County fire east and south of town was about 70 percent contained . The Union Chapel fire west of town was more than 90 percent contained, they said. Overall, more than 34,000 acres have burned around the Lost Pines area just southeast of Austin.

The fires are "not growing on the outside, but there are active areas inside the fire zone," Kidd said. However, he cautioned that windy conditions are expected to increase — a red flag warning is expected for Wednesday, posing a new danger in the fire areas, possibly rekindling embers or starting new fires because conditions remain extremely dry.

Though officials have not said when they think the fires will all be out, they said they hope to reopen all fire zones by sometime Thursday — a signal that most fires might be put out by that time.

Officials said 17 crews with more than 1,351 firefighting personnel remained in the field, dousing embers and flare-ups, mostly south and east of Bastrop.

Two people have died in the Bastrop County wildfires: Michael Farr , 48, and Vickie Keenan , 58. Only one of the 22 people listed Sunday as unaccounted for was still missing Monday.
More...

http://austin.ynn.com/content/280425/bastrop-horse-known-as--hell-bitch--survives-hellfire/
Bastrop horse known as 'Hell Bitch' survives hellfire

(https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/277036_121439557956773_383445475_n.jpg)

With 34,000 acres destroyed in the Bastrop County Complex Fire, many folks are returning to the loss of their property. Others are faced with the more serious loss of life.

Bastrop resident Sheryl Bucsanyi’s home was reduced to rubble and ash. She was able to escape injury with her German Shepherd, Deets. Both were out of town when the fire broke out, but her other animals were in the middle of it all.

"I named all my animals after ‘Lonesome Dove’ characters," she said. "All I can think about are my babies. I just want my babies back."

Also a teacher at Bastrop High School, Bucsanyi ended up losing two of her cats in the fire. Her 5-year-old horse Pepper also died. Pepper’s partner Splash was injured in the blaze.

Bucsanyi was with her sister when she returned home after the smoke settled.

"She brought the trailer in and we were walking through the driveway and I saw Splash just standing there, her mane was burnt and she said she looked pretty bad and as I was walking toward Splash, I saw Pepper and I totally lost it,” Bucsanyi said.

Splash survived, a testament to her other name: Hell Bitch.

"Cause she's pretty much a hell bitch!" Bucsanyi said.

And Hell Bitch sure did make it through hell fire—half of her body was badly burned.

"It's hard to see her in pain, but she's a fighter and I know she's going to make it," Bucsanyi said.

Bucsanyi is homeless for now. She and her family are busy salvaging what they can. More than the house, this native Texan misses the animals she calls her own.
 ::snipping2::
(Video at Link-Warning, very, very sad!)
Help Splash recover

The veterinary bills for Splash are going to be pretty steep, and Sheryl Buscanyi is welcoming donations.

Visit Splash's Facebook page for more on how you can help.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Donate-for-Splash-and-other-fire-victims/121439557956773?ref=ts&sk=wall

http://weareaustin.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=178277
Bastrop fire victims desperate to find their pets
September 13, 2011

Hundreds of missing pet posters are plastered across Bastrop. Owners are desperate to find their animals lost in the wildfire and hoping someone can help.

About 60 animals that haven't been claimed are now at the Bastrop Animal Shelter. Another 40 injured animals are living at the Austin Humane Society.
 ::snipping2::
Check out the Wildfire Pet Rescue website and Bastrop Fire Find Your Pet Facebook page for information on lost pets.
http://www.wildfirepetrescue.com/
Wildfire Pet Rescue
AND
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bastrop-Fire-Find-Your-Pet/271095376242030
Bastrop Fire Find Your Pet

(Video at Link)

http://weareaustin.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=178297
Majority of Bastrop State Park destroyed in fire
September 13, 2011

(http://weareaustin.com/images/Multi_Media/weareaustin/nxd_media/img/jpg/2011_09/4bfb6d37-64cf-b184-f99e-7c1a7dc20264/220x165.jpg)

The massive wildfire that is burning in Bastrop County has destroyed up to 95 percent of the non-development area of Bastrop State Park.

The park is more than 6,000 acres and a destination for more than 150,000 people each year. Hikers, campers and countless species of animals called it home.

Park manager, Todd McCallahan, said that even though there appears to be quite a few trees left standing, the damage is done, and many will fall very soon.

"Even if we were to receive a large amount of rain, the underbrush is gone," he said. "There would be nothing to hold the soil in place, and the erosion caused by the rain might do even more damage."

But the impact is fiscal as well. According to a Texas A&M University report in 2005, visitors to the Bastrop State Park spend more than $1.2 million in the local community and provide a total economic impact of $2.5 million.
 ::snipping2::
But there are some bright spots. Firefighters saved historic log cabins where many people vacation each year. Park workers now have a lot of hard work in front of them clearing damaged trees.

"There's going to be some areas in here where the soil is damaged and there may not be any re-growth in that area," McCallahan said. "But there will be a lot of areas where there will be some re-growth as well"
 ::snipping2::
Officials are hoping to have the park opened back up to the public by October 31, but as of now that is just a guess.

http://weareaustin.com/community/twitter-facebook (http://weareaustin.com/community/twitter-facebook)
TheRevD profile

TheRevD Over 100 acres...FM 2484 shutdown in both direction near 3481 RT @fox7newsedge: Bell County fighting grass fire near Salado. about 1 hour ago · reply · retweet · favorite

http://www.tdtnews.com/index/news/show/78065
UPDATE: Fire near Stillhouse Hollow Lake burns 500 acres
September 13, 2011

Smoke from a 500-acre grass fire on FM 2484 is threatening some structures near Stillhouse Hollow Lake, after a transformer blew out and electric line fell. Several fire departments have responded.
(Subscription)

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/progress-made-on-bastrop-fire-but-weather-could-1856792.html?cxtype=ynews_rss
Progress made on Bastrop fire, but weather could cause setbacks
September 14, 2011

BASTROP — As concerns mounted over weather that could bring more flare-ups to already fire-ravaged Bastrop County, officials on Tuesday pushed back the time when some residents will be allowed to return to their homes.

Residents of the Eastern Tahitian Village, Pine Forest and McAllister Road neighborhoods, as well as the still-closed portions of ColoVista, will not be allowed to return to the areas until 10 a.m. Thursday at the earliest, Bastrop County Sheriff Terry Pickering said Tuesday at a news conference.

Those residents had previously been told they could re-enter the neighborhoods today.

Though the fire remains about 70 percent contained, Pickering said that the fire situation in Bastrop County is a dynamic one and that winds and temperatures over the next few days could cause trouble for firefighters as well as homeowners.
 ::snipping2::
National Weather Service forecaster Amanda Fanning said high temperatures will be close to 100 degrees and winds will be about 10 to 15 mph today, higher than earlier this week.

Pickering said that on Monday night, forecasters predicted winds in Bastrop could exceed 20 mph, which prompted the change in the re-entry schedule.

"This is critical fire weather," said Mike Fisher , the county's emergency management coordinator.

Fires have burned about 34,000 acres, or about 25 percent of Bastrop County, Fisher said. The cause of the largest fire is still being investigated, he said. Officials said about 1,500 homes were destroyed in the county.
 ::snipping2::

 ::MonkeyDance::

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/all-bastrop-residents-accounted-for
All Bastrop residents accounted for
September 14, 2011

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - Bastrop County officials said they have accounted for everyone whose neighborhoods were evacuated because of the wildfires.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/atf-team-looking-into-fire-cause
ATF, team looking into fire cause
National Institute for Standards and Testing here
September 14, 2011

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - Experts from various agencies -- including staff from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives -- are still studying evidence and reviewing 911 calls to determine the cause of the fires in Bastrop County that started on Sunday, Sept. 4.

In the Wednesday morning briefing, Mike Fisher, emergency management coordinator for Bastrop County -- when pressed for an answer about the cause -- said it is yet undetermined. However, he said a team of investigators are working together to find the cause of the Bastrop Complex Fire.

Fisher said experts from the county, the U.S. Forest Service, state fire service office, Texas Department of Public Safety and ATF are compiling data, and talking with the firefighters about what they saw.

Sheriff Terry Pickering said nearly 600 firefighters remain on the scene, working to put out the fire.
 ::snipping2::
Fisher also said that a team from the National Institute for Standards and Testing quickly mobilized and came to Bastrop to do some "very good studies."

"They have been working with my staff for several days," he said.

They are examining the kind of building materials to suggest homeowners use in the rebuilding process. Fisher also said he will give residents safety information and advice about what to do before they move back in.
 ::snipping2::
He said it will be several months before the results of the NIST studies are available.

Officials said the fire is still at 70 percent containment .

 

 ::MonkeyMad::

http://www.kvue.com/news/Officers-searching-for-suspicious-vehicle--129835648.html
Officers searching for possible arsonist in Bastrop County
September 14, 2011

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas -- Department of Public Safety officers and the Bastrop County Sheriffs Office are looking for a possible arsonist.

A DPS spokesperson says they are searching for a white Ford Explorer with the license plate BLK-155 after a fire broke out Tuesday. The fire burned only brush and trees near Goertz Road near Red Rock.

The spokesperson says there have been some smaller fires in the area that investigators suspect may have been intentionally set.
 ::snipping2::

I can't believe Mr. Garton went five days without treatment for his burns.  That must have been incredibly painful!   ::MonkeyTears::

http://www.kvue.com/news/Man-burned-in-Bastrop-wildfire-could-lose-limb-129851348.html
Man burned in Bastrop wildfire could lose limb
September 14, 2011

BASTROP -- There have been incredible stories of survival over the past week from the 1,500 families who escaped the Bastrop fire with nothing but their lives. One man is still suffering from the burns he received.

The family of 57-year-old Geary Garton told KVUE News Wednesday that he could lose his right arm. He was severely burned all over his body while trying to save his home. Because he does not have health insurance, and knew he could not pay the bills, Garton chose to go without treatment for five days. However, his burns were just too severe.
 ::snipping2::
Once Jenna and her mother, MaryJane Garton, were in a safe place, they tried calling Geary for hours, without an answer.

"Finally I got him to answer," said Munyon. "He said, 'Hey you guys leave me alone. I am fighting a fire,' and he hung up on me."

Garton would dip his arms in a nearby pool and then continue to try to stave off the fire. Shortly after, he called his family.

"He called and said, 'I am exhausted, and I can not do it anymore,'" said Munyon. "He said, 'I am burned, but I am surrounded, and I do not know if I can get out.' We told him to just get in the truck and drive, just drive."

Twenty minutes later Garton pulled up in the family truck with one family pet also burned in the fire. He wasn't able to save the family's other pets.

"His hair was singed and you could see the blisters on his arms," said Munyon.

Doctors say Garton could lose his right arm where he suffered third-degree burns.
 ::snipping2::
Geary Garton worked for the state for more than two decades, but was laid off in 2009. Since then he has only found part-time work. Anyone interested in helping can contact the Garton family by e-mailing princessjennatx@aol.com.

Mr. Nyc has lost his home and his business.  His business was insured, his home wasn't.
http://www.kvue.com/video?id=129840058&sec=551187
Christmas Tree farm wiped out by wildfire
September 14, 2011

Fred Nyc and his family have been growing and selling Christmas trees in Smithville since 1975. He lost his home to the fire. It also burned 13,000 Christmas trees.
 ::snipping2::
Video at Link

http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280467/shelters-reunite-170-bastrop-county-animals-with-families
Shelters reunite 170 Bastrop County animals with families
September 15, 2011

(http://images.texas.ynn.com/media/2011/9/15/images/02pets2.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Austin Human Society.

The evacuation of over 5,000 residents from their Bastrop County homes sent countless pets into shelters.

The Austin Humane Society took many of those pets in and announced Thursday that, along with the Bastrop Animal Shelter, it had reunited 170 of the pets with their respective families.

They encourage those searching for lost pets to browse their photo galleries by clicking here or here. (Links in article)
 ::snipping2::

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150303663968396.362775.48805778395
Bastrop Fire Evacuee Reunions (See pets reunited with their owners)

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/16/bastrop_wildfire_now_80_contai.html
Bastrop wildfire now 80% contained
September 16, 2011

BASTROP — The wildfire that has scorched more than 34,000 acres in Bastrop County is now 80 percent contained, County Judge Ronnie McDonald said this morning, and the weather seems to be turning in the county’s favor.

Mike Fisher, the county’s emergency management coordinator, said reports of flare-ups are decreasing and the county is preparing to shift out-of-state firefighters to where they are more needed.

Multiple local, state and federal agencies have hunkered down in the City of Bastrop’s Convention and Exhibit Center for the last two weeks, but the command center is moving to Camp Swift on Monday, Fisher said.

Scheduled daily news conferences that the county has conducted daily will also cease after today, McDonald said.

As of this morning, $2.4 million has been approved for housing assistance in Bastrop County, and $193,085 has been approved for out of pocket expenses, such as medical bills, said Ray Perez, a spokesman with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The federal disaster agency has also updated its calculations of the number of people who have registered for aid. In Bastrop County, 2,147 have signed up for individual assistance, and 62 families have been put up in hotels or motels.
 ::snipping2::

Bastrop County Commissioner Clara Beckett said the damage assessments the county was conducting with FEMA are now complete. The county now is awaiting a disaster declaration that will trigger federal assistance to help pay for road repairs and debris removal.
 ::snipping2::


Mark Rose, CEO and general manager for Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, said that the utility is still working to restore 2,071 meters without power. The co-op updated its schedule and now says that Sept. 28 is the latest that residents will be without power, a week earlier than previous estimates.

The utility is also taking requests from residents who have started to rebuild their homes or are planning to, he said. County officials have estimated that the fire destroyed more than 1,600 homes, taking two lives.
 ::snipping2::
One man, Steve Ingram, is still unaccounted for, Bastrop County Sheriff Terry Pickering said

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/hill_country/new-law-adds-protection-for-rebuilding
New law adds protection for rebuilding
Contractors barred from demanding all pay up front
September 16, 2011

(http://media2.kxan.com//photo/2011/09/12/bastropfire_sadeghi_20110912164216_320_240.JPG)
The site of a burned home in Bastrop (Chris Sadeghi/KXAN)

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A new law that went into effect Sept. 1 is strengthening protections for those forced to rebuild after massive wildfires swept through Central Texas.

House Bill 1711 prohibits certain contractors from requiring full or partial payment up front before work begins. The law applies to any contractor that hasn’t been in operation for at least a year in the same or adjacent county where the work is performed .
 ::snipping2::

Also in this article:
http://interactives.kxan.com/photomojo/gallery/1036/1/wildfires-path-caught-on-cam/ (see pictures caught on game camera)
Wildfire's path caught on cam
Motion-censored wildlife camera in Colovista neighborhood captures Bastrop blaze's rapid path.

Donkey alert!!

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/2-donkeys-missing-from-fire-found
2 donkeys missing from fire found
Probably ran off from Spicewood,officials say
September 16, 2011
(http://media2.kxan.com//photo/2011/09/16/donkey_found_2_20110916162827_320_240.JPG)
One of the two donkeys found (Courtesy: Travis County Sheriff's Office)

(http://media2.kxan.com//photo/2011/09/16/donkey_found_20110916162826_320_240.JPG)
The other donkey


TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) - Two Jack Donkeys, one black and one brown, were found and impounded on Wednesday at 26806 W. State Highway 71 near the Travis County line, and officials are trying to reunite them with their owner.

Travis County sheriff spokesman Roger Wade said they likely ran off to escape the fires near Spicewood.
 ::snipping2::
For more information concerning impounded livestock, a complete list of impounded animals is on the Estray Unit page of the Sheriff's Office website.  Link:  http://www.tcsheriff.org/lawenforcement/estray.asp (http://www.tcsheriff.org/lawenforcement/estray.asp)

 ::MonkeyFootball:: ::MonkeyHeart::


http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280478/bastrop-bears-hit-the-field-as-community-rebuilds
Bastrop Bears hit the field as community rebuilds
September 15, 2011

Energy filled the halls and field of Bastrop High School Thursday night as the Bastrop Bears football team geared up to play the San Marcos Rattlers.

It was the first time the Bears returned to the field since a 34,000 acre wildfire ripped through Bastrop County Labor Day weekend. Over 1,500 homes were destroyed in the blaze.

"Just for a couple of hours tonight, we are going to try to heal this community and get their minds off of what happened. We still have several weeks and months before Bastrop returns to the way it was," Head Coach Jerald Perry said.

Eleven players on the team lost their homes in the wildfire—a fact that made Thursday’s game bittersweet.
 ::snipping2::
Coach Perry got into his home for the first time Thursday. It's still standing, but has water and smoke damage.

"The kids are resilient. You get inspired by watching your kids all the great things they have done, working at shelters. We have had eleven players who lost their homes. Not a single kid has asked for a single thing from anyone," he said. "Tonight we rebuild. Tonight Bastrop Rebuilds."
 ::snipping2::
Video at Link

http://www.statesman.com/sports/highschool/bastrop/bastrop-returns-to-football-field-beats-san-marcos-1861309.html
Bastrop returns to football field, beats San Marcos
September 16, 2011

BASTROP — Before he scored four touchdowns on Thursday night, Trae Bunton led the Bastrop football team onto the field through a banner that read, "Out of the ashes we rise."

On the back of t-shirts worn by the Bears' cheerleaders were the words "Beauty from Ashes."

And the football team's theme for the night?

"We're going to rebuild this town, and it starts with us Thursday night," Bastrop coach Gerald Perry explained earlier this week.

The Bears played for their city on Thursday night. And roughly a week after a wildfire devastated the area, Bastrop scored a 48-23 victory over San Marcos in its return to the football field.

More than 1,200 homes in Bastrop County were destroyed by a wildfire that began burning on Sept. 3. Eleven Bastrop football players — four of them members of the varsity team — and four football coaches were among those who lost home.
 ::snipping2::
Because of the wildfires, Bastrop ISD called off classes and extracurricular activities last week, resulting in the cancellation of Bastrop's varsity football game against Akins . Many of Bastrop's football players spent their free time volunteering, but Perry said he eventually began fielding inquiries about when the Bears could return to the football field.

The Bears had two voluntary workouts last week, and the team began practicing again on Monday.

Some players had to skip practices this week, and Perry said Thursday's game plan was going to be simplified.

Still, football provided a welcome distraction.
 ::snipping2::
Perry said 10 girls in Bastrop's volleyball program lost their homes, but that team resumed matches on Tuesday, playing for the first time since Sept. 2.
 ::snipping2::
As football returned to Bastrop Memorial Stadium on Thursday, fans fil ed into the home stands as tickets went for $2 apiece.

Before the game, State Farm donated $5,000 to the Bastrop Community Fund, and the San Marcos booster club presented a $500 check to the Bastrop booster club. At halftime, Bastrop County first responders were recognized, and Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald was presented with an American flag that belonged to a family whose home burned down, along with a football signed by the Bastrop football team.
 ::snipping2::

http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280495/no-federal-aid-for-caldwell-co--resident-with-destroyed-home
No federal aid for Caldwell Co. resident with destroyed home
September 16, 2011

 ::snipping2::
Caldwell County resident Ruben Rivera’s lost much of his property in the Delhi fire which grew to about 6,000 acres in size.

"All three dwellings are gone. Vehicles are gone. My truck has been burned. My brother’s jeeps have been burned. Our tractor has been burned. Seven cows are dead. Six dogs," he said.

Because Rivera’s land is located in Caldwell County, which has not been issued a disaster declaration, he is not eligible for federal aid.

"The flames crossed the road, crossed the county line and into my home," he said.

Rivera says he and his mother, an aunt, and a nephew are staying in a Lockhart motel. So far, the only government assistance he has received is a seven-day hotel voucher.
 ::snipping2::
Caldwell County has requested a disaster declaration from the federal government, the declaration has yet to be issued.
Video at Link

http://weareaustin.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=179247
Bastrop County fire 85 percent contained
September 17, 2011

Almost two weeks after a massive wildfire scorched more than 34,000 acres, it is now 85 percent contained.

Bastrop County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Fisher said Friday there have been fewer flair ups due to good weather. The winds have died down and the humidity is up. He also said out of state firefighters will begin to leave the area.
 ::snipping2::

 ::MonkeyRain::   A bit of rain!  Only scattered showers, but the humidity will help with the flare ups. It's still very dangerous right now in Central Texas due to the extreme drought.

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/damp-weather-some-help-in-corralling-bastrop-fire-1864425.html
Damp weather some help in corralling Bastrop fire
September 18, 2011
BASTROP COUNTY — And on the 14th day, there was rain.

For two weeks, wildfires have blackened more than 34,000 acres in Bastrop County, but the clouds finally broke Saturday.

Except that Mike Fisher, the county's emergency management coordinator, wasn't sure how much it would help.

"It's certainly not going to hurt," Fisher said. "But we're not getting any really meaningful rain out in the fire zone. It's just sprinkles here and there."

The cloud cover kept the county cooler Saturday, and a higher relative humidity tempered flare-ups that have plagued firefighters in recent days, he said.

After burning for two weeks, the fire was 85 percent contained as of Saturday. Fisher said it is likely to be another week before it's contained completely.

The fire has destroyed more than 1,600 homes, officials estimate, and claimed the lives of two people: Vickie Keenan and Troy Farr.
 ::snipping2::
As of Saturday, 2,504 residents from the 11 Texas counties that are eligible to apply for individual assistance have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, spokesman Ray Perez said.

Bastrop County residents make up most of those applicants, with 2,259. Of those, 362 applications have been denied, Perez said.

Any of those applicants may just need more documentation, or to verify some information, he said.

Since President Barack Obama issued the disaster declaration for the county on Sept. 9, $2,998,658 has been approved for housing assistance and $255,227 for other expenses, such as medical bills.

Perez said 91 people from Bastrop County have checked into hotels.

Tahitian Village is among some of the last areas that will have electricity restored by Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, which reported Saturday morning that 1,899 were still without power.

The nonprofit utility estimates that power will be completely restored by Sept. 28.

On Friday, U.S. Sens. John Cornyn, who toured fire ravaged areas Saturday, and Kay Bailey Hutchison sent a letter to Obama asking that he expand the disaster declaration so that counties could receive additional support removing debris.

County officials have said that the cost of removing debris from county roads will total more than seven times its annual roads and bridges budget.
 ::snipping2::

http://weareaustin.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=179247
Bastrop County fire 95 percent contained
September 18, 2011

Almost two weeks after a massive wildfire scorched more than 34,000 acres, it is now 95 percent contained.

Bastrop County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Fisher said Friday there have been fewer flair ups due to good weather. The winds have died down and the humidity is up.  ::snipping2::

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/bastrop-fires-apparent-cause-trees-hitting-power-lines-1869910.html
Bastrop fire's apparent cause: trees hitting power lines
Forest Service report says two sites show evidence of lines sending sparks into tinder below.
September 21, 2011

Trees that came crashing into overhead power lines earlier this month probably caused the fire that has devoured more than 34,000 acres and 1,600 homes in Bastrop County, according to an investigation released by the Texas Forest Service on Tuesday.

Wind gusts reaching more than 30 mph on Sept. 4 apparently severed trees at two locations that tumbled into the electrical lines, causing sparks that fell into the dry grass and tree litter below.
At 258 Charolais Drive, in the Circle D subdivision northeast of Bastrop, gusts snapped a dead pine tree about 8 feet above the ground, according to the report. The broken trunk fell into the power lines, causing sparks to fall on the tinder below and pulling the lines away from the electrical transformer.

Gusts also caused the top portion of a tree a few miles to the north at 159 Schwantz Ranch Road to break, allowing the branches to tangle in the power lines, which also caused sparks to fall.

Downed power lines are also being investigated as the causes behind several destructive fires in Travis County around the same time, officials said Tuesday.

In Bastrop County, Rebecca Rivas, who lives at the fire's origin site on Charolais Drive, called 911 after seeing smoke near the far west corner of her property, according to the report. Flames appeared soon afterward. The home she shares with her husband was "completely destroyed," the report said.

Rune Harboe, who lived southeast of the fire's Schwantz Ranch Road origin, has said that a dead tree on the north side of the road fell across power lines and started the fire, according to the report.

William Grimes , who also lives near the second point of origin, similarly saw that part of a tree had fallen into nearby power lines, according to the report.
 ::snipping2::
The fire was 95 percent contained as of Tuesday, Forest Service spokeswoman April Saginor said.

A second, smaller blaze that started west of Bastrop on Sept. 5 is still under investigation, Saginor said. But electricity could be the culprit in other fires around Central Texas.

The Travis County fire marshal's office reported Tuesday that electricity is being investigated as the possible cause of fires in Steiner Ranch and Spicewood. Lt. Josh Portie , a brush fire specialist with the Austin Fire Department, said that on windy days, it is "extremely common" for power lines to be a cause of wildfires.

Fire Marshal Hershel Lee said the Steiner Ranch fire began in an undeveloped residential lot before spreading to the occupied part of the subdivision. Investigators found damage on the overhead electrical wires directly above the point of origin, Lee said. His office is awaiting lab analysis by electrical engineers and other experts to determine whether the lines ignited the fire.

Lee said that in Spicewood, investigators found damage to power lines and electrical equipment near the area where the fire started.

Pflugerville Fire Department Assistant Chief Tom Crane said that power lines also caused the fire there Sept. 4 that burned between 300 and 500 acres.
 ::snipping2::
Photos at Link

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/hill_country/origin-of-spicewood-fire-located
Origin of Spicewood fire located
Cause of 6,400-acre blaze not yet determined
September 21, 2011

SPICEWOOD, Texas (KXAN) - Pedernales Fire Chief Ken Van Rens said the fire in Spicewood that charred 6,400 acres started around a small home off Haynie Flat Road.

The fire that started over the Labor Day weekend claimed 45 homes were lost and threatened 131 others.
 ::snipping2::
Van Rens said the homeowner on Haynie Flat Road is not responsible for the fire.

Welding, which was rumored to start the fire, has also been ruled out.

Fire crews also have ruled out that someone starting the fire by tossing a cigarette.

Van Rens said the department is investigating a cause they believe will did start the fire.  He could not yet disclose information regarding that investigation.
 ::snipping2::

http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280547/report--downed-power-lines-likely-sparked-bastrop-fire
Report: Downed power lines likely sparked Bastrop fire
September 21, 2011

Downed power lines were most likely responsible for the Bastrop County wildfire that burned 34,000 acres Labor Day weekend, according to a report released by the Texas Forest Service Tuesday.

The report says two smaller fires merged to create the Bastrop County Complex fire on Sept. 4.

The first fire started on Charlois Drive when a tree fell onto power lines and caused sparks to fall on the dry brush below.

Statements from nearby homeowners said they lost power around 2 p.m., and shortly after, they saw a fire near the back of their property.

The second fire started when high winds broke the top off a tree along Schwartz Ranch Road and limbs from that tree became tangled in power lines. Those sparks also ignited exceptionally dry grass or brush, and the strong wind caused the fires to spread quickly.

Within a few hours of the final report being released, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative's CEO issued a statement dissenting with portions of it.

"At the Schwartz Ranch Road location," Mark Rose said, "a professional survey of the area by our investigators places one tree well outside our right-of-way. The other tree that may have contacted our lines was apparently moved by a bulldozer during firefighting efforts."

Rose went on to say the tree's location prior to the fire is undetermined, and that several factors, from welders to cigarettes, may have also been factors.

The only cause the agency determined it could be was power lines callers confirmed were on the ground where the fire started.

The blaze destroyed 1,500 homes. The Texas Forest Service has not issued any citations at this point.
More...
Bluebonnet Electric’s statement on Texas Forest Service report at bottom of article
 
Video at Link

Link to read  the full report on  the Bastrop Fire: http://content.news8austin.com/auscontent/Bastropfirereport.pdf

It will be interesting to see this play out.  Bluebonnet Electric and Austin Energy are denying their lines caused the fires, and they're saying it's trees that caused the fires, but they are also responsible to keep the lines cleared from trees and brush.  If the trees fall over onto the lines, then that's different.  It looks like either way, it's going to be a field day for attorneys on both sides, (plus the insurance companies!!) and at the end of the day, it will be the taxpayers and users of electric services that will be footing the bill.  There was a power line down about a mile and a half from my house on the 5th of September.  Thank goodness there were no fires or injuries.  Why was the power line down?  We were told it was high winds.  Who's at fault? 
http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280547/report--downed-power-lines-likely-sparked-bastrop-fire
 ::snipping2::
The preliminary cause of the Steiner Ranch Fire was also determined to be arcing power lines, but Austin Energy also disputes that. Like Bluebonnet, the power company has a team of its own investigators looking into a cause. ::snipping2::
 See Bluebonnet Electric’s statement on Texas Forest Service report in the above link.

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/austin-energy-could-face-fire-lawsuits
Austin Energy could face fire lawsuits
Utility seeking money to hire outside lawyers
September 22, 2011

AUSTIN (KXAN) - As the cleanup from the wildfire of Labor Day weekend continues at Steiner Ranch, officials from Austin Energy will ask Austin City Council on Thursday to let them spend $150,000 to pay an outside law firm for help, should the utility be sued.

While the Travis County Fire Marshal waits on laboratory test results before releasing a final cause for the fire, he said the preliminary investigation points to overhead power lines.

“Some times power lines in high wind will bump together,” said the Travis County Fire Marshal Hershel Lee.

Many of the lines in Steiner Ranch are property of Austin’s municipally owned power company, Austin Energy.

“Those power lines appear to have some thermal damage and some damage from arching,” Lee said.

The Fire Marshal’s office is not the only one investigating the cause of the fire.

Austin Energy said the law firm officials want to hire has expertise in fire investigations and will help them with their own investigation.
More...

Yeeeeeee-haaaaaaaaaaah!!!!! :smt035 

http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280562/texas-music-legends-to-come-together-for-fire-relief
Texas music legends to come together for fire relief
September 21, 2011

 ::snipping2::

Willie Nelson, the Dixie Chicks, Lyle Lovett and Asleep at the Wheel will headline "Fire Relief: The Concert for Central Texas" which will take place at the Frank Erwin Center on Oct. 17.

Kyle Chandler and Turk Pipkin will host the event which includes special guests Eric Johnson, Steve Miller, Shawn Colvin and the Courtyard Hounds, Joe Satriani and the Texas Tornados.

All proceeds from the concert will go to the Central Texas Wildfire Fund at the Austin Community Foundation.
 ::snipping2::
Tickets will be available through TexasBoxOffice.com.
Video at Link

It's still extremely dry in Central Texas.  We had a bit of rain, but it was a drop in the bucket.  There are fires here and there in the area, and so far they've been able to keep get them under control.  It just doesn't seem like it would take much at all for fire to break out any where any time.  I continue to keep my car's tank full of gas, a back pack with important papers, meds and etc. and of course, all the dogs leashes, harnesses, travel cages for the birds, box for the tortoises and etc. all lined up just in case.  My husband and I cleared our land of cedar when we moved in and have we've taken steps to try to help make our home and property safer in the event of fire.  But I've realized what will be will be, but I hope we get through this time unscathed. 

http://www.statesman.com/news/texas/152-million-in-ag-losses-to-texas-wildfires-1884543.html
$152 million in ag losses to Texas wildfires
September 28, 2011

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Enough fencing to cross Texas from east to west nearly seven times, more than 1,500 head of livestock and swaths of pasture nearly twice the area of Delaware have burned in Texas wildfires this year.

As if the state's crippling drought hadn't banged up Texas agriculture enough, experts with Texas AgriLife Extension Service said Wednesday the wildfires continue to burn through the dried remains on a daily basis.

David Anderson, an economist with the service, estimated Texas agriculture lost $152.1 million through Sept. 19. The bulk of that total comes from the 5,965 miles of fences and other infrastructure that burned. Second are the nearly three million acres of scorched pasture.

That all comes on top of the estimated $5.2 billion lost to crops and livestock from the drought in Texas. It has been the worst single-year drought on record and more than four-fifths of Texas is in exceptional drought.

Since wildfire season started on Nov. 15, 2010, officials say firefighters have responded to 23,519 fires. And there doesn't appear to be an end in sight.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Fire-burns-some-of-set-for-2003-film-The-Alamo-2192827.php
Fire burns some of set for 2003 film 'The Alamo'
Blaze charred at least 150 acres near Austin.
September 28, 2011

(http://www.mysanantonio.com/mediaManager/?controllerName=image&action-get&id=1632611&width=628&height=471)
Matt Brake, a fire fighter from Lake Travis Rescue puts out hotspots at the scene of a 200 acre wild fire north of Dripping Springs, that burned part of the movie set of the 2004 remake of the Alamo movie. Wednesday, September 28, 2011. Photo Bob Owen/rowen@express-news.net
Photo: San Antonio Express-News, Bob Owen / rowen@express-news.net

DRIPPING SPRINGS — An assistant fire chief in Texas says a wildfire has destroyed part of the set for the 2003 film "The Alamo" and charred at least 150 acres near Austin.

Lake Travis Assistant Fire Chief John Durham says the fire broke out about 6:30 p.m. He says lightning is believed to have struck the film set near Hamilton Pool Park, about 24 miles west of downtown Austin.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/dozens-adopting-pets-rescued-in-fire
Dozens adopting pets rescued in fire
Bastrop Animal Shelter waiving adoption fees
October 3, 2011


(http://media2.kxan.com//photo/2011/10/03/dog_20111003135341_320_240.JPG)
Pretty Girl, a Beagle, remains to be adopted. She was unable to reunite with her pet parents follow last month's fire.  (Jacqueline Ingles/KXAN)

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - Bastrop Animal Shelter Director Troy Walters is so busy finding dogs and cats homes that were rescued in the Bastrop fire homes, he has no time to talk.

"We are swamped," explained Walters.

On Monday morning, 60 animals that were unable to reconnect with their original owners following the fire went up for adoption.  Adoption fees have been waived and dozens of people came out looking to add a furry family member.

Walters said all rescued animals were checked for micro-chips and a website featuring photographs of the animals was created .  He also reached out to media, both television and print, to try and reunite pets with their owners.

"We had a lot of these animals come in with collars but no identification tags," Walters explained.

If the animals are not adopted, they will be transferred to other shelters to be showcased.  If they fail to find a home then, they could be euthanized.

Walters, however, told KXAN he is doing everything he can to find homes and has even micro-chipped the animals and all the remaining cats have been spayed/neutered.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.petango.com/bastropanimalshelter
View available pets.   ::MonkeyCat:: ::MonkeyDogWalk::

 It looks like the two C-130's and the DC-10 came in  and saved the day.  There were  1,000 acres and no homes lost in this latest fire.  It could have been so much worse.  I sure wish the firefighting aircraft had been available for the Bastrop Complex Fire, the Delhi Fire and the Pedernales fire.  Small fires continue to crop up in Central Texas.   ::MonkeyNoNo::
Last night was National Night Out in my neighborhood and the subject was fire and what we could do to help protect ourselves and our property.

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/bastrop-county-faces-another-wildfire-1896151.html
Bastrop County faces another wildfire
Fire was 25 percent contained Tuesday night due to air resources, firefighting efforts, officials say.
October 5, 2011

(http://www.statesman.com/multimedia/dynamic/01150/WEB1005bastropfire_1150796k.jpg)

BASTROP COUNTY — Still reeling from last month's devastating fire, residents in Bastrop County were once again forced to evacuate because of a 1,000-acre wildfire that firefighters were battling Tuesday night.

But emergency officials were quick to point out that this fire was different from the devastating Bastrop Complex fire in September. The presence of firefighting aircraft that weren't available last time meant quick progress was made against the blaze. It was 25 percent contained by 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, officials said.

As of Tuesday night, no homes had been lost, said John Nichols, a spokesman with the Texas Forest Service. Fifty houses had been evacuated, but officials did not think they were in danger, he said.

"The fire is well away from those houses," Nichols said.

The fire started for unknown reasons about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Griffith League Scout Ranch near Oak Hill Cemetery Road off FM 2336, said Bastrop County sheriff's office spokeswoman Sissy Jones.

Two hours later, the fire had grown to 100 acres; that would increase tenfold by nightfall.
 ::snipping2::
Though the fire progressed rapidly, Nichols said that aircraft, including a DC-10, two C-130s and others, helped put a quick dent in the blaze.

When the September wildfires broke out in Bastrop County, aircraft were occupied fighting other fires and weren't able to intervene early on, Nichols said.

"The air resources did a great job," Nichols said. "They were from Austin, and they weren't committed to anything else."

Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald , who was at the scene near the blaze, made it clear that this fire was different from the big one last month.

"We'll be fighting this, rather than just evacuating people," McDonald said. "We're better prepared, and the wind conditions are down."
 ::snipping2::

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/bastrop/state-aid-helps-replace-charred-fences
State aid helps replace charred fences
Bastrop hardest hit by wildfires
January 11, 2012

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/bastrop/more-tree-saplings-headed-to-bastrop
More tree saplings headed to Bastrop
Reforestation efforts continue after fire
January 12, 2012

AUSTIN (KXAN) - After losing 1.5 million trees in the wildfires, Bastrop is slowly replanting, little by little.

Thursday in East Austin, the group TreeFolks loaded 350 saplings onto a truck to be taken to Bastrop on Friday.

"I've walked out there. It's like a moonscape, it's tragic," said April Rose, a forester with TreeFolks. "It's also Mother Nature. So what can we do as stewards of the urban forest."

TreeFolks and some 40 other organizations will hold a workshop in Bastrop on Friday to provide aid and information to residents who suffered losses in the fires. The saplings will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

TreeFolks is working with the Lost Pines Recovery Team to provide trees to the community. More than 1,300 trees have been delivered since November.
More...

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/amid-ashes-in-bastrop-county-hundreds-must-decide-2215325.html
Six months after historic Labor Day fires, signs of renewal rise from destruction
By Dave Harmon/AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
March 4, 2012

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/unstoppable-anatomy-of-texas-most-destructive-wildfire-2215282.html
Unstoppable: anatomy of Texas' most destructive wildfire
As the fire grew, firefighters and deputies made a crucial decision to evacuate neighborhoods
By Dave Harmon/AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
March 3, 2012

 ::snipping2::
The most destructive fire in Texas history capped a series of historical worsts. It happened during the state's worst fire season: Nearly 4 million acres and more than 3,000 homes burned during the season, which ended Oct. 31. It wasthe state's driest year on record, at the end of the hottest summer that any state had ever seen.

But the fire is also notable for the history that wasn't made. The death toll — two people — could have been exponentially higher, Ridenour said, if not for a series of quick decisions that led to the rapid evacuation of roughly 5,000 people.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/bastrop/resources-were-no-match-for-bastrop-fire
Officials: Fires overwhelmed resources
Winds, dry weather made Bastrop a tinderbox
David Scott
Posted April 19, 2012, Updated April 23, 2012

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - Emergency officials could have tripled the manpower devoted to battling the late summer wildfires in Bastrop and it still would not been enough to stem the devastation, a legislative panel was told Thursday.

"There's not enough resources in Texas to prevent something like this happening," Nim Kidd, chief of emergency management for the Texas Department of Public Safety said in testimony before the state House Agriculture Committee. "It was a perfect storm: historic drought conditions, a spark in the right place, high winds on the right day. This was a force of nature."
Kidd was joined by representatives from the Texas Forest Service and the Texas National Guard at the hearing that took place in Bastrop just seven months after the city and county were decimated by the worst fire in state history and third worst ever in the nation.

Even though only two people died from the fires that began swirling over Labor Day weekend and continued for several days, the property losses were stagging, the committee was told.

    More than 34,000 acres of pine forest and ranch land scorched.
    An estimated 1,670 homes destroyed.
    And 5,000-plus people uprooted from their homes.

Tom Boggus, director of the Texas Forest Service, said the wonder is that the figures were not far higher as winds of up to 50 mph whipped the fire from pasture to paster, tree to tree and home to home.
More..
Links in the article:
http://interactives.kxan.com/photomojo/gallery/974/1/texas-is-burning/bastrop-smoke-fills-the-citys-horizon/
2011: The Year in Review
Texas is Burning
Fires Rage in Central Texas

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/report-september-2011-spicewood-wildfire-likely-sparked-by-2446006.html
Report: September 2011 Spicewood wildfire likely sparked by power lines
August 29, 2012

Arcing electrical lines probably sparked the 6,500-acre blaze that consumed more than 60 structures in September in western Travis and eastern Burnet counties, a report released Wednesday by the Travis County fire marshal's office concluded.

Investigators ruled that the 2011 Pedernales wildfire — also known as the Spicewood Fire — was accidental, based on an analysis of burn patterns, interviews with witnesses and numerous site visits to identify the probable source of ignition, the 22-page report said.

Witnesses first reported flames just after 2 p.m. on Sept. 4 in a remote area about 1,000 feet from the 26200 block of Haynie Flat Road in Travis County.

The Spicewood fire was one of several large wildland blazes to erupt that day in Central Texas. It burned for 11 days before the Pedernales Fire Department chief reported it extinguished at 2:40 p.m. on Sept. 15.
 ::snipping2::
The Bastrop Complex Fire, which also began Sept. 4, was started by electrical lines in two places. That fire, along with the smaller Union Chapel Fire, destroyed 33,000 acres and 1,700 homes.

"There are some things that are very difficult to control, in this case, the weather," Lee said. "But people need to be prepared. Check smoke detectors, have defensible space around your home. ... Take care of the things you know you can."

 :smt075

http://www.kvue.com/news/Bastrop-woman-sentenced-after-filling-false-FEMA-claim-217031551.html
Bastrop woman sentenced after filing false FEMA claim
July 25, 2013

BASTROP, Texas -- A Bastrop woman has been sentenced after falsely claiming FEMA money awarded to  victims of the Bastrop fires in 2011.

A federal judge sentenced Ginger Roe to 100 hours of community service for making the false claim in September of 2011.

She’ll also have to pay FEMA $30,200 in restitution.

The terms of her sentence were worked out in a plea deal with federal prosecutors.
 ::snipping3::

Two years later.

http://www.kvue.com/news/Bastrop-commemorates-wildfire-two-year-anniversary-222013581.html
Bastrop commemorates wildfire 2-year anniversary
September 1, 2013

BASTROP, Texas -- This Labor Day weekend marks two years since massive wildfires ravaged Bastrop County.
The Bastrop Long-Term Recovery Team hosted a picnic on Sunday to remember the Labor Day holiday weekend two years ago when the fires broke out on Sept. 4, 2011.
The organization is a non-profit that works with people who have had trouble rebuilding their homes, some of whom were uninsured.
Ed Hoffman and his son both lost their homes in the fire.
"I'm living on my land," Hoffman said. "My friend bought a saw mill, brought it over, and we chopped some trees down and made lumper out of it. I'm living in an 18x20 shed. I'm waiting to get a house built by the General Land Commission Grant."
He is hoping they will start building in two weeks.
The fire killed two and destroyed nearly 1,700 homes -- more than any other fire in Texas history.
 ::snipping3::