Bastrop, Tx fire update:

[Javaman]

30K acres burned, no containment...

http://www.kvue.com/video/featured-videos/Update-on-Bastrop-fire-129290693.html

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.

[maddezmom]

1. another updated link: Texas ablaze: 118,000 acres, 700 homes destroyed

Details on many fires are still unconfirmed. The Dispatch Tracker System was down most of Sunday and went down again Tuesday morning. Most of the details below are from late Monday night.

RILEY ROAD, Grimes County: 3,000 acres, unknown containment. The fire is exhibiting extreme fire behavior as is burns rapidly west of Magnolia. At least 20 homes have been destroyed, with 150 immediately threatened and hundred more in its path. The fire is actively moving to the south. A FEMA Management Assistance Grant was received.

TAMINA ROAD, Montgomery County: 150 acres, unknown containment. Two hundred homes have been evacuated in and near The Woodlands and an additional 400 are within a quarter-mile of the fire. A FEMA Management Assistance Grant was received.

UNION CHAPEL, Bastrop County: 750 acres, 10 percent contained. Twenty-five homes were destroyed on this fire just west of Bastrop. Aircraft responded immediately after the fire was reported, but were ineffective in the windy conditions.

MOONGLOW, Williamson County: 300 acres, no containment. This fire is burning in Leander where 150 homes were threatened. Thirteen homes are reported lost. A FEMA Management Assistance Grant was received.

PETERS CHAPEL, Harrison County: 600 acres, unknown containment. The fire is burning actively in pine plantation. Numerous homes have been evacuated. There are no reports of losses.

much more: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/river_oaks/news/texas-ablaze-acres-homes-destroyed/article_d1c74597-c557-529d-823c-decbf001ab55.html

[sfpcjock]

2. Sorry. This is awful.

Austin has had 70 days of continuous temperatures over the record highs, I think. This just shows the last month:

[TBF]

4. Yes, Houston as well -

the problem was that instead of getting rain from Tropical storm Lee we only got winds, which seemed to add fuel to these fires.

[TBF]

3. thanks Javaman - here is info on Austin Pets Alive

They took in 60 dogs from Bastrop area and can use donations: http://www.austinpetsalive.org/

Red Cross Central TX seems to be coordinating relief: http://www.centex.redcross.org/index.asp?IDCapitulo=F9ZLZNZ3KD

[Melissa G]

5. My brother is just west of the river in Bastrop. He says it looks the best it has

in days for those on west side of the Colorado river. Just smoldering fires there now. He says in Tahitian Village ( east side of the river) half of the houses are gone. We had family there. House is probably gone, but they are safe and that is what matters.

There are so many fires that almost everyone around here has family or friends or animals to be concerned about. Crazy, dangerous times. :grouphug:

[necso]

6. Hopefully, the federal government will do

what's possible (in the face of republicon obstruction) to aid our fellow citizens in distress (explicitly, without hurting others). (And I urge the people of Texas to pull together in this time of difficulty.)

The drought alone is a huge problem, and terrible fires often follow in drought's wake.

Some related stuff here:

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/

[earthboundmisfit]

7. Here is info for any in need of horse/farm animal/pet shelter

From The Patrick Miracle Facebook page, another possible help for any in need in Austin area, spread the word:
"Patsy Nelson-Farmer of Austin, TX said: ""I live in Lampasas (Texas) and I have 2500 acres with 20 horse stalls, multiple pens, and pastures if anyone needs a place to put animals. Message me or call me 512 734 6080." PLEASE RE-POST ASAP to all Austin-area vets/rescues/shelters."

[rainbow4321]

8. Sparks from a car accident started a wildfire in Poolville (North TX)

Shows how little it takes to start these things...before the post-spark wildfires could be gotten under control, 20 homes were destroyed (per a Dallas news channel tonight).