300 Homes Destroyed by Fast-Moving Texas Fire

Sept. 5, 2011
BASTROP, Texas -- More than 300 homes have been destroyed by a fast-moving wildfire in Bastrop, officials said Monday. The fire has consumed at least 16,000 acres so far, fire officials said. The wildfire started in the Lost Pines area northeast of Bastrop. The Texas Forest Service said airtankers and ground crews were brought in to fight the flames, but the wildfire has not been contained.

BASTROP, Texas --

More than 300 homes have been destroyed by a fast-moving wildfire in Bastrop, officials said Monday.

The fire has consumed at least 16,000 acres so far, fire officials said.

The wildfire started in the Lost Pines area northeast of Bastrop.

The Texas Forest Service said airtankers and ground crews were brought in to fight the flames, but the wildfire has not been contained.

The fire has moved more than 16 miles and jumped the Colorado River twice, according to the Texas Forest Service.

Approximately 5,000 people in the Circle D, K.C. Estates, Pine Forest, Colovista and Tahitian Village subdivisions have been evacuated.

"We grabbed a few things -- the TV, clothes, hygiene items and that's it," said Karen Williams, an evacuee.

Kay Durham said she had less than 5 minutes to get out of her home Sunday.

"The flames were going through the fields and the cows were trying to jump over the fence. It was horrendous," Durham said.

"Today is predicted to be as bad, from a fire-behavior standpoint, as (Sunday) was," said Victoria Koenig with the Texas Forest Service.

Hundreds of residents parked at gas stations in the area, waiting to hear if they still have a home.

Fire crews are not allowing anyone back in their homes because the fire is not yet contained.

Bastrop is 30 miles southeast of Austin. The town has less than 10,000 residents.

Copyright 2011 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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