Tooty, the fires near Austin are in Bastrop, and Steiner Ranch subdivision. Evacuations in both areas. We spoke to our county extension agent this afternoon, and he thinks we won't need to receive any livestock--most of the cattle have been sold off due to the drought, and the ranchers are able to find temporary shelter for their horses. He did ask that we stay available, "just in case." The wind is abating, and there is hope that most of the fires in this area (Teague, Marquez, Lake Whitney) will be contained tomorrow. Knowing that all y'all are hoping and praying for the folks in Texas is a great comfort. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Getting worse all the time too. The big fire near Austin has burned about 25,000 acres and destroyed almost 400 homes and as of late this evening (Monday night) is totally out of control. And as of this evening there are 38 active fires in the state. Now there are fires around Houston, some residents of the three counties affected are on notice to be ready to evacuate with just a few minutes notice. Also, there is no rain in our forecast for at least the next two weeks.
My part of the state did receive a bit of rain from Lee... perhaps that's the only thing keeping us from being on the list of fires. The closest one to us would be the one in Magnolia... and that's a couple hours away. I have a cousin that lives there and as of yesterday, his brothers said his place was safe. Will have to check in on his family this afternoon to see how they are doing. Glad the winds are settling down... that'll help with trying to get this fires under control. Stay safe everyone!
How's it going, Dooley? I have some beekeeping pals in Seguin TX and wonder how they and their bee poipulationsd are faring. Maybe I will drop a line. Anyway, it sounds that you are being very level-headed about your somewhat dire situation, interms of planning and packing. I hope that the fires give your place a miss. Oh, I really do hope that. I hope to hear again from you or Wannabe later on today. I sure am wishing you and the rest of all Texans some rain....and in a hurry! Hang in there.
http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/20 ... stin-texas These photos were taken early yesterday in Bastrop, southeast of Austin.
This fire has to be one of the scariest situations to have to go through. Stay safe all of you. keeping you all in my prayers, both for rain and safety. Toni those pictures are just horrific to see let alone experience it.
No evaucations were needed here. With the drop in temps and wind things were settling down and they were getting the fires under control. The one nearest to us burned 10 structures including 3 houses and a church and outbuildings (barns, etc) We could smell and see smoke yet this morning when we headed for College Station but when we came home this afternoon the sky was clear and no smoke smell. I think if the winds don't pick up again the crisis has passed for now. I hope we get some rain but it isn't in the forecast. dooley
Still thinking of all of you and willing the fires to avoid buildings and towns, and the winds to stay calm, and trying very hard to channel you some rain.... Stay vigilent. xoxo
Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers. I'm sure they helped calm the winds. I only wish it would have spared all the houses. The news said over 1,000 homes burned in the past six days. That's a lot of homeless people due to TS Lee and the drought. dooley
Keeping you all in mind and hoping you will remain safe and no loss of property,..looking at that link Toni posted i took a sharp intake of breath,..scary pictures,..and sad pictures as well,..keep safe folks.
