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Bastrop Texas Fires - Then and Now

By
Real Estate Agent with Lisa Von Domek Team TX License #0552989

In a follow-up on the raging fires that devastated the Bastrop, TX region:

 

$4 million received after Central Texas wildfires

 

Associated Press - Reported on WFAA.com

Posted on March 7, 2012 at 3:36 PM

 

BASTROP, Texas (AP) — Parts of Central Texas devastated by wildfires last year have benefited from more than $4 million in private donations and the help of volunteers who are rebuilding homes.

 

The Austin American-Statesman reports (http://bit.ly/z8iCb6 ) that in Bastrop County, agencies and groups are trying to rebuild more than 200 homes for people who did not have insurance or not enough insurance.

The American Red Cross collected $699,000 in the wake of the wildfires. The Austin Community Foundation received $1.3 million.

Meanwhile, Mennonite volunteers have stayed in Bastrop for several months. They and others continue to build homes free of charge.

The Texas Forest Service says last year's wildfire season was the worst in state history, destroying nearly 4 million acres. About 3,000 homes were lost. Ten people died.

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Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com

 

(Original Story Posted Below 9/7/11)

Wildfires Consuming Bastrop State Park

 Bastrop fire                  Bastrop Fire               Bastrop Fire

Photos courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife website

Texas continues to battle wildfires in many parts of our state, volunteers and donations are needed to help.

The largest fire at Bastrop State park, as updated on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website:

 Texas parks & Wildlife

BASTROP, Texas – Despite earlier optimism, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department firefighters and other personnel were still facing a fire threat to historic structures at Bastrop State Park today.

According to TPWD incident commander Robert Crossman, all but about 100 acres of the 6,000-acre park have been blackened by fire, but firefighters have so far been able to save most of the Civilian Conservation Corps-constructed structures on the park, with two possible exceptions – two CCC observation structures believed to have been damaged.

State parks officials are still planning to make an all-out effort to save historic structures on the park, many of which were constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

“Much of Bastrop State Park has been burned and our firefighters have once again shown their mettle with incredible effort to save the historic district of this National Historic Landmark,” said State Parks Director Brent Leisure, whose home and that of Buescher State Park superintendent Cullen Sartor were among those destroyed by the fire. “Countless homes have been saved. Despite the outstanding effort, this fire has outstripped our capabilities to protect all things.”


Please go to the Red Cross, Salvation Army or your favorite charity website(s) for donations for Texas or any part of the country to help with those affected by the recent storms, flooding and fires.  


Visit my website www.LisaSellsTexas.com for more information on Texas.


Comments(8)

Jeff Jensen
The Federal Savings Bank/Lending in 50 states - Greenwich, CT

A friend and I watched with deep concern as those fires enveloped one community after another.  Thank God for charitable people.

Mar 07, 2012 06:19 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Hi Lisa. Texas has had more than it share of wildfires. That 4 million was a blessing to help many recover last year. I believe Bastrop was hit the hardest. We can certainly use more donations to help with this cause.

Mar 07, 2012 07:19 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Hello Jeff,

Well said, the generosity of everyone involved in this and other disasters is a God send.  They are all to be commended for setting a fine example of the human spirit, and reminding us all of what can be achieved with giving to others.

Mar 07, 2012 07:34 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Hello Jerry,

So true, the 4 million is a huge blessing - and more contributions will be welcomed by the many affected.

Mar 07, 2012 07:39 AM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Lisa.  Is 4 million enough?  The volunteers make you believe in the human spirit with their generosity.

Mar 07, 2012 07:47 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Good morning Conrad,

No, the 4 million won't complete the work needed to be done - but it is a wonderful amount raised, in conjunction with the countless hours of volunteers.  These are the actions that do, indeed, make you believe in the generosity and human spirit of mankind.

Mar 07, 2012 08:30 PM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Good luck with the on going efforts Lisa.

Mar 08, 2012 08:00 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Good morning Conrad,

Thank you!  So many people were affected by so many devastating natural disasters across the country last year.  Hopefully, they are all having as much assistance in their rebuilding efforts.

Mar 08, 2012 08:34 PM