Evacuations underway after wildfire at state park in Central Texas
The wildfire burned 640 acres as of early evening and was 10% contained.
Evacuations underway after wildfire threatens homes in Bastrop County, TX
Rolling Pines Fire in Bastrop County, Texas threatens properties. Planes have been attempting to drop water and fire retardant to protect any homes or building in the area.
BASTROP, Tx. – 250 families were ordered to evacuate Tuesday afternoon after a wildfire broke out at a state park in Central Texas.
"About 100 homes are threatened by fire right now," said Rich Gray of the Texas A&M Fire Service at a press conference. "We have had no verified reports of occupied structures burned at this point."
Emergency managers in Bastrop County turned off power to the area as a precaution.
Around 10:30 a.m., a crew from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department set a prescribed burn. The department received reports of spot fires beyond the boundary around noon.
"It was my understanding that we were well withing the weather parameters for the prescribed burn," said Executive Director Carter Smith. "Likely embers went outside of the park and the prescribed boundary and initiated the fire."
The wildfire burned 640 acres as of early evening, including 150 acres scheduled to be burned. The wildfire was 10% contained.
The orange area in the post below shows the extent of the fire, while the blue area shows evacuated areas to the northeast of the fire.
The location of the fire is about 45 miles southwest of Austin.
Strong winds across the area fanned the flames with gusts out of the southwest up to 15-25 mph.
Texas, New Mexico Fire Danger
Portions of Texas and New Mexico are under a fire warning as conditions are low humidity and gusty winds elevate the fire threat.
A Fire Weather Warning is in effect through the evening.