Central Texas on Fire 2011

[MuffyBee]

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.



 
 

[MuffyBee]

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::

[MuffyBee]

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

[MuffyBee]

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

[MuffyBee]

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

[MuffyBee]

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.

[MuffyBee]

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

[MuffyBee]

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::

[MuffyBee]

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.

[MuffyBee]

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...

[MuffyBee]

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::

[MuffyBee]

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::

[Tibrogargan]

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.

[MuffyBee]

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. 

[MuffyBee]

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::

[MuffyBee]

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::

[MuffyBee]

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

[MuffyBee]

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


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...

[MuffyBee]

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


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...

[MuffyBee]

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::