Texas Fire Frustrations. Firefighters In Texas Getting Help From Other States. Air From Fires In Texas Hazzardous To Health.

September 10, 2011 8:08 AM

Texas wildfires evacuees anxious to return home

Gayla Holley of Moms Against Hunger prays with Lynn Landis, a Magnolia fire evacuee, at a drive-through supplies station on Friday, Sept. 9, 2011 at the Magnolia Apostolic Tabernacle in Magnolia, Texas. Landis, who came to the church with her son and four dogs to collect food and other essentials, was concerned because she did not have renter's insurance. (AP Photo/The Courier, Karl Anderson)

(CBS/AP) 

Updated 4:26 PM ET


BASTROP, Texas - Fire crews made progress Saturday fighting a massive Central Texas wildfire but concerns over still smoldering hotspots kept thousands of residents from returning home.


Tensions flared during a news conference Saturday as some residents shouted questions at county officials, demanding to know when they could return to their homes in the Bastrop area, located about 30 miles east of Austin.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/09/10/national/main20104267.shtml

Fresh crews, light winds help fight Texas wildfires

Jim Forsyth Reuters

5:39 p.m. EDT, September 10, 2011

SAN ANTONIO (Reuters) - More than a thousand firefighters, aided by lighter winds, on Saturday began to beat back raging wildfires that have scorched Texas for the past six days torching 1,600 homes and killing four people.

"We've had quite a bit of success today," Bill Paxton of the Texas Forest Service said of the battle to contain six dozen major blazes that have torched 154,000 acres across Texas since Sunday.

The largest of them, the Bastrop Complex fire, which has burned 1,376 homes and killed two people, was 40 percent contained on Saturday, Paxton said, as 64 aircraft and nearly 1,100 firefighters began to beat back the flames.http://www.mcall.com/news/local/sns-rt-us-wildfires-texas-disastertre7891kl-20110910,0,1103644.story

Officials expect total number of homes destroyed by Texas wildfire to rise from current 1,400

Article by: ANDREW DeMILLO , Associated Press

Updated: September 10, 2011 - 6:55 PM

BASTROP, Texas - Authorities say they expect the number of homes destroyed by a massive Texas wildfire to increase from the nearly 1,400 they've already tallied.

Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald said Saturday that crews haven't had an opportunity to go in and count homes in some areas because of smoldering hot spots.

Authorities have said that nearly 1,400 homes have been destroyed by the wildfire that has been raging for a week in and around Bastrop, a city near Austin.

A spokesman for the team of federal, state and local agencies responding to the fire also said the number was expected to rise.

Spokesman Bruce Prud'homme also says the wildfire is now 50 percent contained, up from the 40 percent figure announced earlier Saturday.

http://www.startribune.com/nation/129583298.html

Texas Crews Make Progress, but Wildfires Evacuees Still Can't Return Home

Published September 10, 2011

| Associated Press

AP

Sept. 10: Tommy Ratto, a fire fighter from the Lassen National Forest in Calif., team cleans up a hot spot after the destructive wildfire in Bastrop, Texas

After spending nearly a week wondering whether his home had been destroyed in massive wildfires sweeping across Central Texas, George Gaydos got the news Saturday: His house had burned down in the blaze.

But Gaydos -- who has been living at a hotel with his wife, two children and father since fleeing the fires nearly a week ago -- still can't return to his neighborhood to see what is left of his home.

Fire crews made progress Saturday fighting the wildfire but concerns over still smoldering hotspots has kept thousands of residents, including Gaydos, from returning home.

Tensions flared during a news conference Saturday as some residents shouted questions at county officials, demanding to know when they could return to their homes -- or what remains of them -- in the Bastrop area, located about 30 miles east of Austin.

Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald said officials hope to get other residents back as soon as possible, but he didn't know how long that would take.

"This is day seven, tensions are high," McDonald said.

Texas is in the midst of one of its worst wildfire outbreaks in state history. A perilous mix of hot temperatures, strong winds and a historic drought spawned the Bastrop-area fire, the largest of the nearly 190 wildfires the state forest service says erupted this week, killing four people, destroying more than 1,700 homes and forcing thousands to evacuate.

A 22,000-acre blaze straddling three rural counties about 40 miles northwest of Houston has burned for several days, destroying about 60 homes and forcing some people to evacuate. The forest service has said about half the fire was behind containment lines and no towns or cities were threatened. Most homes in the area are scattered in the forest, ranchland and in small subdivision clusters.

In Bastrop, officials said Saturday the fire was about 40 percent contained after almost a week of burning. Though residents were anxious to get to their neighborhoods, Bastrop County Sheriff Terry Pickering said authorities need to be certain they are safe before residents would be allowed back. Residents from one 700-acre area that includes about two dozen homes were allowed to return home Saturday, but other areas remained evacuated as crews worked to put out potentially dangerous hotspots.

"Everybody hang in there and we'll get you back home as soon as possible," Pickering said.

In the meantime, residents are staying wherever they can -- makeshift shelters at churches, friends' and relatives' homes, even cars in nearby parking lots.

"There are some who are actually picking out apartments," said Sean McGahan, pastor of New Beginnings Church in Bastrop. "If you haven't already started, you're probably behind the curve."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/10/texas-crews-make-progress-but-wildfires-evacuees-still-cant-return-home/#ixzz1Xb8HSAzY

Ohio firefighters help battle Texas blaze

September 10, 2011 @ 07:57 PM

The Associated Press

Herald-Dispatch.com

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Division of Forestry has sent more than 30 firefighters to help battle massive wildfires in Central Texas.

In May, the division sent three firefighters and a 300-gallon fire engine. Three firefighters rotate in as replacements every two weeks, with additional personnel sent as needed.

Ohio firefighter, Aaron Kloss, told The Columbus Dispatch that it’s so dry in Texas that he had to work on a blaze started by sparks from a blown-out tire.

“It’s crazy,” he said.
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/briefs/x1639621843/Ohio-firefighters-help-battle-Texas-blaze

Progress made in fight against massive wildfire

Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:01 PM

Updated today at 5:05 PM

Associated Press

BASTROP, Texas (AP) — Fire crews are making progress fighting a massive wildfire in central Texas but concern over still smoldering hotspots is keeping thousands of residents from returning home.

The fire, in and around Bastrop, has burned for a week and is one of the most destructive wildfires in the state's history.

Officials say the blaze is about 40 percent contained.

The fire, which has swallowed nearly 1,400 homes, is the largest of the nearly 190 wildfires the state forest service says erupted this week, killing four people, destroying more than 1,700 homes and forcing thousands to evacuate.

About 40 miles northwest of Houston, a 22,000-acre blaze straddling three rural counties has burned for several days, destroying about 60 homes and forcing some people to evacuate. The forest service says about half the fire is behind containment lines and no towns or cities are threatened.

http://www.azfamily.com/news/national/129595603.html

Smoke From Texas Fires Have Doctors Concerned for At-Risk Citizens

Published September 08, 2011

| FoxNews.com

MyFoxAustin.com

Sept. 8: Smoke could be seen Thursday morning over Austin, Texas.

A thick cloud of smoke caused by wildfires in Texas could be seen covering Austin, the state's capital on Thursday morning, prompting doctors to warn residents about the risk of prolonged activity in the area that has seen its air quality reach a 14-year low.

The air quality was damaged by the fire and other factors like pollen and viruses spreading at the start of school. Children with asthma and adults with chronic respiratory problems are the most susceptible to illness, MyFoxAustin.com reported. 

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/08/smoke-from-texas-fires-have-doctors-concerned-for-at-risk-citizens/#ixzz1Xb940t6e

Texas Fires Still Blazing Wild. Updates From Multiple Sources Providing Resources and Information.

Texas Fire Relief Drive This Afternoon

KRIS-TV

updated 9/8/2011 11:50:01 AM ET 2011-09-08T15:50:01

CORPUS CHRISTI - Join KRIS Communications, K99, Mattress Firm, HEB, and the American Red Cross this afternoon as we collect donations to help the victims of wildfires in central Texas. From 2 - 6pm, we'll be out at the HEB Plus! at 5313 Saratoga Boulevard.

So far, some 1,400 homes have been destroyed by the fires in central Texas.

Donations of money will go a long way to help the American Red Cross assist people who have lost all of their belongings in a fire and are in need a place to stay or other help for their families.

Firefighting personnel and volunteers have requested specific items needed in their efforts to contain the fires and help those affected.

Firefighters: bottled water, Gatorade, eye drops, nasal spray, hand wipes, individually packaged snacks (peanut butter crackers, power bars, protein bars, etc.)

Volunteers: large trash bags, work gloves, nonperishable snacks, and toiletries.

Medical Supplies: Blood pressure cuffs, nebulizers, thermometers, glucose meters, pen lights, tongue depressors, ibuprofen, gauze wrap, ACE bandages, Neosporin cream, bandages and band aids, medical kits

Evacuee Supplies: sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, towels, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, paper plates, cups, napkins, plastic utensils, deodorant, baby wipes, diapers, baby shampoo, hand sanitizer, Depends undergarments

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44440137

Texas wildfire consumes hundreds more homes

Monstrous Bastrop blaze 30 percent contained as 5,000 flee flames

A monstrous fire burning southeast of Austin destroys 1,386 homes, more than any other blaze in Texas history, county officials said on Thursday.

The devastating new number — nearly triple what officials had said earlier in the week — is the county's "best estimate" of the 35,000-acre fire that's been ripping through this rural, historic community about 25 miles east of Austin since Sunday, said Bastrop County Emergency Coordinator Mike Fisher.

"This is based on everything we had in (the count) before, plus a house by house and driveway by driveway count we did last night," Fisher said.

Officials said that number is likely to increase as the count continues.

The blaze has killed two people, forced the evacuation of 5,000 and was about 30 percent contained Thursday, officials said. Active flames were behind containment lines and some residents evacuated from unburned areas were allowed to return to their homes.

Smoldering hot spots remained across the 45 square miles, but flames were inside the lines surrounding about 30 percent of the fire area, officials said.

Rudy Evenson, spokesman for an interagency team assisting the Texas Forest Service, said Thursday's major concern was wind sparking more flames beyond those boundaries.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44440543

Texas fires burn 11,000 acres on Fort Hood

A series of fires over the past three weeks have burned nearly 5 percent of the 215,000-acre Killeen-area military post Fort Hood, the Army reported on its website.


Although the fires did not threaten central buildings of the base, Fort Hood soldiers are no longer training in the outer areas affected by fires, and military families are being encouraged to be prepared in case they spread.
From the story:

Since Aug. 19, three separate fires ignited on the ranges, burning 11,380 combined acres, and as of Sept. 6, a fire continued to burn at Jack Mountain.

“I flew over and visited the Jack Mountain range areas today,” said Lt. Gen. Don Campbell Jr., III Corps and Fort Hood commanding general. “Fire Chief Billy J. Rhoads showed me the areas affected by the fires; currently the Department of Emergency Services and the Fort Hood Fire Department have the area 60-percent contained.”

While personnel and the main cantonment area weren’t threatened by the flames, concerns elevated across the installation Labor Day as 20 mph winds blew smoke and ash toward housing areas.

“We’ve had crews out here 24/7, if not working on the fire, monitoring to make sure that it’s not spreading,” said Lacey Eide, public information officer, Fort Hood Department of Emergency Services, or DES.

Fort Hood DES, Directorate of Public Works, Soldiers and the Texas Forestry Service have been battling the blazes with helicopters, bulldozers, graders, water tankers and additional ground support vehicles.

The Pilot Knob Fire, which started Aug. 19, burned 1,500 acres and was contained Aug. 23. The Robinette Fire, which began Aug. 20, burned 6,180 acres before it was contained Aug. 23.

The Jack Mountain Fire began Aug. 30, and was 75-percent contained Sept. 4 after burning 3,000 acres, but high winds re-ignited hot spots, leading to an additional 700 acres of damage. As of Sept. 6, it was 60 percent contained.

For the full article and photos of the burning base, visit Army.mil.
http://blog.chron.com/newswatch/2011/09/texas-fires-burn-11000-acres-on-fort-hood/

NASA has captured video and still images of the Texas wildfires from space.


The images were relayed back to earth by a satellite and astronauts on the International Space Station, including a Texas native.


Astronaut Mike Fossum, who was raised in McAllen, Texas, and graduated from both Texas A&M University and the University of Houston-Clear Lake, posted one of the images by request via Twitter.


“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected,” Fossum tweeted from the space station.


Fossum had asked Mission Control to update him about the fires, which have raged over thousands of acres in Central Texas since Sunday.


"Did you guys confirm that the state park Bastrop is one of the directly affected areas with the fire in that region?" Fossum asked from space on Tuesday.


"Yes Mike, unfortunately that's true," Jay Marschke replied from Houston. "The news agencies are reporting up to two-thirds of the park has been burned and hundreds of homes in the area have been destroyed."
"Wow, that's rough news,” Fossum said. “We're really thinking about all those folks through there."


Nicole Cloutier, a spokeswoman for flight crew operations at Johnson Space Center in Houston, said Fossum knew the Bastrop area well because of trips he's taken to the area as a Boy Scout leader and his years at nearby A&M.


"He has done tons of backpacking and hiking throughout the state and Bastrop is one of the most popular parks," she said. "It's just a very special place close to his heart. I think this is just affecting him personally."
On Thursday, as the space station flew directly over Bastrop, she said Fossum was in a module, looking down.


"He could see the burn in the land," Cloutier said. "It's nearly impossible to see something like that and not be affected by it. Almost all the astronauts, we hear them say after their flights that once you see the Earth from space, you realize the fragility of the planet."


Fossum’s crewmate Ron Garan, also tweeted about the fires.


"Prayers for those in harm's way," Garan tweeted Tuesday. Garan also posted a series of photos of the fires.
Smoke from some of the fires is also visible in an image captured Tuesday by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder that flies aboard NASA's Aqua satellite.


Several plumes of smoke are visible in the lower center and left. The rounded mass of clouds on the right are the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee.


The largest plume in the lower center part of the image is from the Bear Creek fire that started Sunday and was raging over 14,000 acres in East Texas
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/09/texas-wildfires-as-seen-from-space.html

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