Central Texas wildfire destroys at least 9 homes, prompts evacuations; no injuries reported

SMITHVILLE, Texas – At least nine homes have been destroyed by a Central Texas wildfire that has grown to more than 3 square miles.

County Judge Paul Pape (PAH’-pee), who is the top executive of Bastrop County, says the number of burned homes could grow. However, there have been no reports of injuries.

The Texas A&M Forest Service says challenging topography and uncontrolled fire lines slashed the containment of the Bastrop County fire to 10 per cent as night fell Wednesday. The Forest Service had estimated 50 per cent containment earlier in the day.

The fires have prompted the evacuations of several neighbourhoods, and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department closed Buescher (BISH’-er) State Park on Wednesday due to the fire.

The county 30 miles east of Austin has had low humidity and sparse rainfall. Forecasters predict highs in the 90s with gusts of up to 10 mph through Friday.

___

This story has been corrected to show the agency is the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, not Service.