Hidden Pines WildFire of Bastrop County Burns 40 Homes, Buildings in Texas, 25 Percent Contained
Fire crews continue to fight a massive wildfire that has burned over three dozen homes and destroyed six quare miles in Central Texas.
The Hidden Pines Fire of Bastrop County wildfire has consumed 4,582 acres and destroyed 40 homes and buildings since it ignited Tuesday morning in Smithville, near Buescher State Park and about 45 miles away from Austin, reports USA Today. The blaze has also forced the evacuation of 400 homes.
According to Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape, the fire is about 25 percent contained. However, he warned that hot and dry weather on Friday could prolong the conditions that could help the fire spread.
"This will be the day that tells us what happens," Pape said. "Today will determine if the fire stays within the fire line and is out in a few days, or if it's going to continue to spread."
Meanwhile, the estimated 300 firefighters battling the blaze received backup from a DC-10 jet tanker that can drop close to 12,000 gallons of retardant that was scheduled to arrive Friday morning, reports NOLA.com.
During a news conference earlier this week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency.
"We grieve for the families and the homeowners who are displaced by this. This has to be an echo of a nightmare that they faced just a few years ago," he said referring to deadly blazes that occurred in 2011, reports NBC DFW. "So far we have been very fortunate in this fire in that no person has lost their life. We want to conclude this fire by being able to say the same thing."
Early Wednesday, the Hidden Pines Fire was believed to have only damaged about 375 acres. However, an aerial survey found that the estimate had quadrupled in size. Then, by late Wednesday night, the fire was estimated to have burned over 2,000 acres.
Officials say that the blaze is being fueled by unseasonably hot weather along with gusty and shifting winds.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!