Hays County residents are not strangers to devastating events.
Bastrop County’s Hidden Pines wildfire could use volunteers and small donation items for their firefighters.
According to
Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management there are 12-15 firefighter agencies currently involved, and as of yesterday evening it was 25% contained and has grown to over 4383 acres. Officials have also confirmed more than 30 structures, mostly homes, have been destroyed.
Evacuations and road closures are constantly being updated as the fire spreads, and you can keep up to date with
Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management Facebook Page.
Here’s some ways you can help;
New Volunteer Information:
Financial donations are being accepted at Bastrop County Long Term Recovery (BCLTR) and Prosperity Bank in Smithville. No other institutions or agencies have been vetted to receive financial donation.
What firefighters need:
Aleve, Advil, Visine
Fresh fruit
Clorox wipes
Paper goods: plates, cups, napkins, etc
Vaseline, chapstick
Gallon Ziploc bags
Large garbage bags
Cleaning supplies: disinfectant spray, dish soap, etc
Healthy snacks: granola bars, cheese sticks, crackers, etc
Donations can be taken to:
Smithville Fire Department, 317 TX-230 Loop, Smithville, TX 78957
Small animals can be taken to the Bastrop Animal Shelter. Livestock can be taken to the Bastrop Rodeo Show Barn (must check in with on scene personnel) and the Hills Prairie Auction Barn on 304 south of Bastrop.
Livestock Information: Livestock can be taken to the Bastrop Rodeo Show Barn (must check in with on scene personnel) and the Hills Prairie Auction Barn on 304 south of Bastrop.
Hills Prairie on FM 304 is open, and so is Bastrop Rodeo Arena. Donations of feed, hay, buckets, etc. are needed. Contact is Rachel Bauer at the Bastrop Rodeo Arena. For those who are delivering Animals, you will need a special placard showing you are authorized to bring the animals in.To obtain a placard check with BCSO or you will not be allowed to drop them off.
Here are the most recent updates, evacuations, and road closures.
Governor Of The State Of Texas Declares Disaster In Bastrop County
As severe wildfires continue, Governor Greg Abbott today declared a state of disaster in Bastrop County, authorizing further mobilization of state resources to assist impacted communities.
“As severe wildfires continue to impact Bastrop County, I strongly urge Texans in that area to take all possible precautions to ensure their safety,” said Governor Abbott. “By declaring a state of disaster in Bastrop County, the State of Texas is activating resources to help affected communities as efficiently and as effectively as possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected, and I want to thank the first responders who are working tirelessly to provide care and resources to the impacted areas.”
Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) request, meaning that Texas will be eligible for 75% reimbursement from the federal government for costs associated with fighting this fire.