***Update: Please see the updated consolidated #txfire list here.***
There are a dozen fires burning across Texas today, with the fire in Bastrop being one of the largest and least contained. So far, the fire has consumed 30,000 acres and approximately 600 homes. Smoke can be seen and smelled from Corsicana to Corpus Christi. Dozens of fire stations across the state have dispatched fire fighters to Bastrop and other counties in trouble.
On Twitter, you can follow updates through hashtags #txfire and #centraltxfires. Important Twitter feeds: @centexredcross, @KXAN_News, @keyetv, @txstormchasers, @statesman, @PreparingWilCo, @texas_wildfires.
On Facebook, there are a few places where people are putting information regarding evacuations and relocation of large animals and livestock. Bastrop Co Fire Large Animal Info on Facebook has offers for open land where you can take large animals. People are also posting to Texas Storm Chasers Facebook page. Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management on Facebook has information for residents and those nearby. American Red Cross of Central Texas on Facebook has additional information for evacuees.
More information on shelters and available assistance can be found here. Evacuees are being asked to register on the Red Cross Safe and Well site so a count can be taken and family members can search.
UPDATE: According to @keyetv (KEYE TV Austin): Bastrop ISD is closed today and tomorrow. This includes extracurricular activities.
UPDATE: Texas Fire Support on Facebook if you want to help fire victims. We Are OK in Bastrop for people to post that they are safe – however, I recommend you please use the Red Cross Safe and Well site listed above.
UPDATE: Steiner Ranch is now being reopened to residents ONLY. Must show ID at checkpoint.
UPDATE: @firetxnews is following fire incidents for Houston and surrounding areas.
UPDATE: To help – Donations are being taken at Texas Wildfire Relief. Information about becoming a Red Cross volunteer.
UPDATE: KXAN News – Austin is asking anyone in need of volunteers to post to their FB page. People are also posting there if they see any other fire threats.
UPDATE: Magnolia TX Fire and Evacuation on Facebook for those closer to the Houston area. Austin American Statesman has a great page on area fire updates, school closures, volunteer information and evacuation/shelter information.
Central Texas Fires on Facebook, although I would urge you to use one of the pages already established. This one seems to be too general.
Texas Interagency Coordination Center has a great map of active fires in the area.
UPDATE: Austin Statesman has set up Central Texas Wildfire Recovery on Facebook. Leon County Emergency Management on Facebook. Tomball Fire Marshal’s Office on Facebook.
Texas Forest Service website reporting Texas Forest Service responded to 22 new fires for 7,544 acres, including 10 new large fires. In the past seven days Texas Forest Service has responded to 181 fires for 118,413 acres. It appears that in the past 48 hours, more than 700 homes have been destroyed.
UPDATE: Williamson County Office of Emergency Management on Facebook
UPDATE: KVUE Austin-area wildfire donations – ways to help fire victims.
UPDATE: Greater Austin / Bastrop Fire Relief – Austin Disaster Relief Network