PRAYERS NEEDED: Wild fires in Central Texas

[64physhy]

Wow, the size of those flames and pure magnitude is far worse than I imagined from what I've seen and heard on the News. They look a lot worse than the fires that hit here in 2003 or 2007. My area was evacuated for both of those, but we were lucky both times (fire came within about 50 ft of a couple neighbors houses).

 

[TXDart]

More

 

[TXDart]

Wow, the size of those flames and pure magnitude is far worse than I imagined from what I've seen and heard on the News. They look a lot worse than the fires that hit here in 2003 or 2007. My area was evacuated for both of those, but we were lucky both times (fire came within about 50 ft of a couple neighbors houses).

On TV,I always was speechless when I saw of the fires you had there.
The only fires I have seen prior to this one was on ranches and flat land.
Bastrop has a whole lot of Huge pine trees and once out of that area ,it is more farmland and cattle and grazing area with just a lot of dead grass.
Bastrop State park was one of my favorite places to hang out on the lake,when I was in my twentys.

 

[TXDart]

A Prayer to God Our Help
Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home!

Beneath the shadow of Thy throne
Still may we dwell secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.

The busy tribes of flesh and blood,
With all their cares and fears,
Are carried downward by the flood,
And lost in following years.

Thy Word commands our flesh to dust:
"Return, ye sons of men!"
All nations rose from earth at first
And turn to earth again.

Time, like an ever rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly forgotten as a dream
Dies at the opening day.

Like flowery fields the nations stand,
Pleased with the morning light;
The flowers beneath the mower's hand
Lie withering ere 'tis night.

Our God our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last,
And our eternal home.

--Isaac Watts, 1719

 

[TXDart]

A Federal DC-10 FIRE-FIGHTING AIRPLANE HAS LANDED IN AUSTIN,TEXAS TODAY and the flame retardants for that plane will be here tomorrow.They will be flying that over Bastrop.
Good news!!!
Bastrop went from 14,000 acres on fire to 34,000 acres and that is 15 percent contained at this time.
Firefighters were able to burn a fire line ahead of the fire today since there were little winds.Burning all grass and brush around and before other homes.

Here is more:
DC-10 to Assist in Bastrop Fire

Updated: Tuesday, 06 Sep 2011, 9:41 PM CDT
Published : Tuesday, 06 Sep 2011, 9:41 PM CDT

A DC-10 fire tanker flew in From California on Tuesday night.

The plane was fighting fires in the golden state before receiving a call for help from Texas.

The plane will be unable to assist until Friday morning because crews are required to take a mandatory break. Also the fire retardant used by the plane will not arrive in Austin until Wednesday.

Read more: http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_...t-in-Bastrop-Fire20110906-ktbcw#ixzz1XGZCYPD1

 

[TXDart]

Starflight Makes Over 500 Drops

Updated: Tuesday, 06 Sep 2011, 4:39 PM CDT
Published : Monday, 05 Sep 2011, 9:39 PM CDT

Resources are being stretched thin when it comes to fighting Central Texas wildfires. For instance, there have been so many water drops the past two days in Travis County, that STAR flight had to deny Bastrop County's request to help.

They had all three helicopters already fighting fires in Travis County yesterday and couldn't help Bastrop County out.

Star flight crews made 500 water drops yesterday and today, fighting fires in Steiner Ranch, Pflugerville, and Pedernales.

When crews fly, conditions are smoky and windy. It can be also be dangerous for the people on the ground because each helicopter carries 130 gallons of water.

Normally, they get water out of stock tanks and ponds but they are dried up this year. Firefighters have been filling up a container for STAR Flight. Each crew consists of a pilot and a crew chief.

They got their first called 11 a.m. Sunday and conducted lifts until dark. They started again Monday at 7 am.

They are preparing for what's to come, treating this like a marathon and not a sprint.
Casey Ping is the Program Director for STAR Flight said they have done more firefighting the last two days than the history of the STAR Flight program.

"It is clearly the worst fire season that we have ever had. If you look at our historical perspective with fires, last year we had 0. The year before that, we had 10 with 20 drops," Ping said.

Ping says people should exercise extreme caution because the conditions are ripe for fire.
For instance, he says the Hamilton Pool fire was started by someone welding.

Read more: http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_...es-Over-500-Drops20110905-ktbcw#ixzz1XEMT6lRl

 

[oldkimmer]

..............OMG............thats fricken insane...........my prayers are sent.......kim............

 

[butterball]

Prayers going out to you, your family, and all affected by the fires. Those wildfires are monsters!

 

[TXDart]

More out of state fire fighters arrived in Austin to help.
Every state in the USA is represented including Alaska and Hawaii.
Bastrop Fire is now 30 percent contained.

 

[TXDart]

How to Help Fire Victims

Updated: Tuesday, 06 Sep 2011, 12:36 PM CDT
Published : Monday, 05 Sep 2011, 11:58 AM CDT

Below are a list of agencies and groups that are collecting money and donations to help the victims of the Central Texas fires.

Red Cross of Central Texas

You can donate to the Red Cross by visiting their WEBSITE or by calling 512-929-1250 or 512-928-4271. Or you can text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Also you can donate in person or by mailing a check to:

American Red Cross of Central Texas
2218 Pershing Drive
Austin, TX 78723

Red Cross is looking or volunteers. If you would like to volunteer please call the Red Cross at 512-928-4271.

Austin Disaster Relief Network

To make a donation to the Austin Disaster Relief Network, visit their WEBSITE or mail a check to:

Austin Disaster Relief Network
P.O. Box 3817
Cedar Park, Tx 78630
Attn: Greater Austin/Bastrop Fire Relief Fund

The ADRN has also set up several donation sites.

In Kind Donations Needed:

Diapers, Baby Food, Adult Food (non-perishable), Trash Cans, Trash Bags, Underwear, Kennels for Dogs, Socks, and Water

In Kind Drop Off Locations:

Fellowship SW Church in Buda (3870 FM 967, Buda) Monday, 9AM-9PM and T-F from 9-5PM
Austin Christian Fellowship (6401 Riverplace Drive, Austin) M-F, 9AM-5PM
Church of the Resurrection (2008 Justin Lane, Austin), M-F, 9AM-6PM
Celebration Church (1202 Rabbit Hill Trail, Georgetown), M-F, 9AM-5PM

Volunteers:

General Volunteers are not needed at this time but future volunteer needs will be posted on this page as they are assessed and determined. If you are a trained Red Cross Shelter Volunteer or if you have been trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training and would like to volunteer your time, please email us [email protected]. Thank you!

Volunteer Hotline: 512-331-2200

Catholic Charities of Central Texas

Catholic Charities of Central Texas is accepting donations to support families and individuals displaced from their homes and residing in temporary shelters. Monetary donations and any of the following items can be donated on Tuesday, September 6 in Austin at the Diocese of Austin Pastoral Center located at 6225 Highway 290 East between the hours of 7 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.

Medical Supplies
BP Cuff
Nebulizer
Thermometer
Glucometer
Pen lights
Tongue Depressors
Ibuprofen
Gauze Wrap
ACE Bandages
Neosporin Cream
Bandages
Other Supplies
Sleeping Bags
Blankets
Pillows
Towels
Shampoo
Body wash
Toothpaste
Paper Plates, Cups, Napkins, Plastic Utensils
Deodorant Sprays for men and women
Disposable Razors
Shaving Cream
Baby Wipes
Size 4 Diapers
Baby Shampoo
Sanitizer
Depends Undergarments

Donations of the items above will also be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Catholic Charities of Central Texas in Austin at 1817 E. Sixth Street, Austin, TX 78702, (512) 651-6102. Any community organization or faith community wishing to organize a donation drive is welcomed to contact Catholic Charities Disaster Response Office at (512) 651-6132.
Monetary donations can also be made payable to Catholic Charities Disaster Response. An online donation page is in progress.


YMCA Offering Free Child Watch for Bastrop-Area Residents

Beginning Tues., Sept. 6, 10am - 5pm

Ages: Potty-Trained & Older

Location: Bastrop Christian Church
1104 Church St.

Contact: Terry Moore: (727) 643-2977

The YMCA of Austin is providing free child care for Bastrop-area families with trained, licensed staff so parents can handle urgent family business while kids enjoy recreational time in a fun, safe environment. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The service will continue for a limited time through the duration of the wildfire crisis.


There are also several collection bins set up that are accepting clothing and food donations.


Capital Area Food Bank
Collection bin at 8201 South Congress Austin TX


Clothing Donations
Old Wind's/Dollar General Store,
210 Main St, Smithville, TX


VFW Hall in Elgin
118 Old Sayers Road
Elgin, TX 78621


Hays County
111 E. San Antonio St., Ste. 202
San Marcos, TX 78666
512-393-7302

Anyone or group wishing to donate water/food for firefighters or evacuees or to volunteer to help in any way, such as in a shelter, etc., in Hays County should call the Volunteer Coordinator Lidia Contreras at 512.393.7302.
Laureen Chernow
Hays County Communications Specialist
[email protected]
Office: 512.393.2296
Cell: 512.461.5093
Fax: 512.393.2227
111 E. San Antonio St., Ste. 202
San Marcos, TX 78666
www.co.hays.tx.us

Austin Dirty Dog

Austin Dirty Dog is accepting pet related donations at all locations: dog/cat food, cat litter, crates, toys, towels, etc

Texas Lost Pines Riding Club

Please drop off feed for livestock at the Texas Lost Pines Riding Club. People are there to accept hay, grain, and any feed as well as buckets, feeders, etc.

Texas Lost Pines Riding Club
186B Hwy 995
Elgin TX 78621
LINK

Read more: http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_stories/How-to-Help-Fire-Victims-20110905-KTBCW#ixzz1XGdkwKDv

 

[TXDart]

Over 1,300 Structures Burned in Bastrop Wildfire

Updated: Thursday, 08 Sep 2011, 6:51 AM CDT
Published : Thursday, 08 Sep 2011, 6:51 AM CDT

According to the latest estimates released by officials in Bastrop County, 1,386 structures, including 785 homes, have been destroyed by the wildfire that continues to burn largely uncontained. As of early Thursday morning, the wildfire remains just 30 percent contained, though firefighters are expected to be briefed at 8:00 a.m. with updates on any progress made overnight.

On Wednesday Bastrop County officials released a partial list of the homes that have been damaged by the massive wildfire that has torn through the county this week. That fire has burned approximately 38,000 acres and has claimed two lives. Bastrop County authorities released the name of one of the two victims. Michael Farr, a city of Austin employee, was found dead in his Smithville home.

The area affected by the fire is an estimated 25 miles long and 20 miles wide.

For the first time since the fire broke out on Sunday, officials released a list of over 200 homes that were confirmed to have fire damage.

LINK: List of Homes Damaged by Fire (note: this is not a complete list)

LINK: Map of Bastrop Fire

LINK: Map of Union Chapel Fire

Crews have been handing out protective masks due to the high risk of smoke inhalation. Visibility is near zero in some places, and thick smoke has spread throughout the town.

On Wednesday eight Black Hawk helictopters and three Chinook helicopters helped battle the blaze.

For updated information, please visit Bastrop County's website at www.co.bastrop.tx.us .

LINK: Info for Fire Victims

Officials have shared that the fire, which has required assistance from dozens of firefighting units - a total of 366 firefighters - from across the state, could be days from containment, though they're hoping to make further headway with the containment in advance of worsening wind conditions that are expected on Friday. Texas Task Force 1 was on the scene yesterday with 100 people and 12 dogs to survey the damage along with several law enforcement agencies including the Austin Police Department, state police and DPS Troopers.

Over 5,000 residents have been displaced from 20 subdivisions. LINK: Map of area in Bastrop that has been evacuated. Residents in the Hobbs Creek subdivision have also been evacuated. County officials set up shelters for those that were evacuated at:

Bastrop Middle School
Ascension Catholic Church
Bastrop Christian Outreach Center
Smithville Recreation Center
Elgin Family Worship

Despite earlier reports, the shelter at Bastrop Middle School is remaining open indefinitely. Officials are working on a a permanent shelter.

No one were allowed back into the Bastrop neighborhoods Wednesday after some people returned Tuesday to survey the damage. Law enforcement officials were urging people to stay out of the evacuated ares. Many people tried to run through road blocks and officers have almsot been injured.

Additionally, a second wildfire broke out near Union Chapel this week, and has consumed nearly 900 acres and 27 homes. That fire is now 100% contained.

Residents that were evacuated due to this fire were beign allowed back into their neighborhoods on Wednesday with the exception of people in the Bluebonnet Acres area.

Due to the continuation of the wildfires in Bastrop County, Bastrop ISD officials have made the decision to cancel school throughout the week. They are looking to reopen on Monday. All school related activities have also been canceled. This includes all athletic events and all extra-curricular activities.

Several Roads have been closed as a result of the fire. Highway 21 between Bastrop and Smithville and from Bastrop to 290 is closed. FM 1441 between Highway 95 and Highway 21 is also closed.

Bluebonnet Power has had to cut electricity to many homes in the area as firefighters worked to fight the fire. Many homes that are not being threatened by the fire might lose power. Currently, there are 4300 without power.

Additionally, there is a boil water notice for parts of Bastrop. LINK: Boil Water Notice

Bastrop County Residents are asked to call either 512-332-8856 or 512-332-8814 to get information about the fire and when they will be allowed back into their homes.

The fire originally began in the Circle D neighborhood on Sunday around 2:00 p.m. The wind blew a second fire off of 290 to join that one. The fire has forced evacuations in Tahitian Village and Pine Forest.

Read more: http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_...Bastrop-Wildfire-20110908-ktbcw#ixzz1XMeWJHhY

 

[j-miller]

I wish I could send all the rain we have right now down to you you guys in Texas. We have about a foot of rain right now and major flooding. Damn tropical storms.

 

[TXDart]

I wish I could send all the rain we have right now down to you you guys in Texas. We have about a foot of rain right now and major flooding. Damn tropical storms.

We would take it!!!!
We will be in a drought up to November....
TXDart

 

[memike]

Prayers for all the families and fire fighters in the air and on the ground
This is so sad, I herd that there are water tankers available (air plains) but for some unknown reason our government will not let them fly :banghead: They all have past inspection and pilots on the ground :wack: I herd this on a talk radio station :angryfir: Can anyone make me understand what's up with this ? or have I been miss informed :sign7:

Dear lord send a tropical rain storm to rain down on Texas amen!rayer:

 

[TXDart]

Prayers for all the families and fire fighters in the air and on the ground
This is so sad, I herd that there are water tankers available (air plains) but for some unknown reason our government will not let them fly :banghead: They all have past inspection and pilots on the ground :wack: I herd this on a talk radio station :angryfir: Can anyone make me understand what's up with this ? or have I been miss informed :sign7:

Dear lord send a tropical rain storm to rain down on Texas amen!rayer:

Thanks memike,
We had a DC10 land Tuesday and all the fire retardants flew in Wednesday and the crew is required to rest till Friday morning.At this time they will start fighting that Bastrop fire,they came from California,so no telling how long they were flying there...
Hope that bad boy can put a dent in that fire,winds are supposed to pick up on Friday...Just pray for calm weather and we are all good.
Rain is just more than miracle right now.
Past few days here were Gorgeous,cool nights and 90's in the later day,with hardly any wind...Could not be nicer ,weather wise.
Martin

 

[OneOfMany]

I'm at a loss for words. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

Grant

 

[TXDart]

DC-10 is Ready for Attack of Bastrop Fire

Updated: Thursday, 08 Sep 2011, 9:33 PM CDT
Published : Thursday, 08 Sep 2011, 6:37 PM CDT



The DC-10 jet specially outfitted for wildfires is geared up to begin an attack on the Bastrop fire early Friday morning.



Crews are rested up after being on a mandatory break from fighting fires in California.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is not equipped to fill the tanker with fire retardant, but a mobile unit has arrived and will be ready to fill and refill the 11,000 gallon tanker. The mobile unit will fill the jet with a mixture of water and fertilizer which helps keeps the water from evaporating.

The jet is capable of dropping 100,000 gallons in four hours of flight.

DC-10’s mission will be under the direction of the U.S. Forest Service.

Weather conditions will play a big factor on how much the tanker will be able to drop and where.

Read more: http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_...t-Fighting-Fires-20110908-ktbcw#ixzz1XSzwCssj

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

DC-10 is Ready for Attack of Bastrop Fire

Updated: Thursday, 08 Sep 2011, 9:33 PM CDT
Published : Thursday, 08 Sep 2011, 6:37 PM CDT



The DC-10 jet specially outfitted for wildfires is geared up to begin an attack on the Bastrop fire early Friday morning.



Crews are rested up after being on a mandatory break from fighting fires in California.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is not equipped to fill the tanker with fire retardant, but a mobile unit has arrived and will be ready to fill and refill the 11,000 gallon tanker. The mobile unit will fill the jet with a mixture of water and fertilizer which helps keeps the water from evaporating.

The jet is capable of dropping 100,000 gallons in four hours of flight.

DC-10’s mission will be under the direction of the U.S. Forest Service.

Weather conditions will play a big factor on how much the tanker will be able to drop and where.

Read more: http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_...t-Fighting-Fires-20110908-ktbcw#ixzz1XSzwCssj

Thanks for keeping the information coming. I will continue praying.

 

[TXDart]

I'm at a loss for words. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

Grant

Thanks Grant,
All prayers are being heard,no winds today and the fire fighters are making progress...Can not wait to see that DC10 do it's thing!!!
At 8 am this morning it was ready to take-off....
Martin

 

[TXDart]

Just in,got off the phone with a friend of mine who works with the City Of Austin.
Politics between OBama and Perry have grounded that DC10 plane.
FEMA SAYS WE DO NOT NEED IT.
FEMA is in control of the fire now and has turned away volunteers who showed up with heavy equipment like bulldozers .....
Thanks a lot FEMA.....
How does politics stop helping a disaster...
They fly that plane from california,they flew the flame retardant in,they loaded it,they let the pilots rest and now nothing...
Something is wrong here,it is Un-American and Inhumane

 

[TXDart]

Fire Retardant Dumping Jumbo Jet to Houston Area

Updated: Friday, 09 Sep 2011, 10:54 AM CDT
Published : Friday, 09 Sep 2011, 10:43 AM CDT

HOUSTON (AP) — A DC-10 jumbo jet originally meant to dump retardant on Central Texas wildfires has a new assignment north of Houston.

Officials had planned to deploy the plane Friday to Bastrop County, about 25 miles east of Austin, where nearly 1,400 homes have been destroyed.

But Texas Fire Service spokeswoman Holly Huffman says the plane will instead by dispatched to fight blazes in Grimes, Montgomery and Waller counties. The agency says those wildfires, which have blackened more than 15,000 acres, were 60 percent contained Friday.

Huffman told The Associated Press that firefighting crews have made significant strides in Bastrop County and the jet "can be diverted at any point if a new fire pops up." Those fires have burned more than 34,000 acres.

Copyright AP Modified, Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

 

[TXDart]

DC-10 Fights Fires But Not in Austin

Updated: Friday, 09 Sep 2011, 6:59 PM CDT
Published : Friday, 09 Sep 2011, 6:59 PM CDT


The DC-10 supertanker at ABIA finally made it into the air Friday. It flew about a half dozen air drops, but none were in Bastrop County. Saturday, four military air tankers will join the fight.

The supertanker went wheels up, on its first run out of ABIA around 10:30 a.m. Friday morning. It slowly banked east, toward Bastrop County, but Nick Harrison with the Texas Forest Service said the DC-10 would by-pass Bastrop because the fire there was no longer a top target.

"It’s a statewide resource (the DC-10) and we move those resources around to where the priority is” said Harrison.

A fire, northwest of Houston, was the new priority. It had flared up in Montgomery County and was in what’s called a forward movement. The DC-10 came in low over the flames and dumped its 12-thousand gallon load of red flame retardant.

"Typically our drop is 2 to 300 feet above the highest obstacle that you obviously don’t want to hit,” said Rick Hatton who owns the DC-10.

Each run can be a white knuckle experience.

"And typically what it does is block the fire to give the ground forces a better shot at containment,” said Hatton.

The super-tanker is based in California and arrived in Austin Tuesday night.

Matching its load capacity, it costs the state $12,000 an hour to fly, according to the State Forest Service. There is also a $45,000 a day availability fee. The meter was running as it sat on the tarmac for 2 days adding to the frustration of the people who were evacuated from their homes in Bastrop County.

There were two reasons for the hold; a mandatory rest period for the pilots and an important part for the mission was missing. A mobile fueling station for the flame retardant had to be built. That job was done late Thursday.

There are other air bases in the region with pumping stations, but officials with the forest service claim none are large enough to hot load a jet the size of the DC-10.

"That aircraft would sit on the ground longer to try to load 12,000 gallons,” said Harrison.

The reloading of the DC-10 take less than 30 minutes.

With more tanker planes set to arrive, Austin will now become the major hub for the Texas wildfire fight.

Read more: http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_...But-Not-in-Austin20110909-ktbcw#ixzz1XgMRPhTZ

 

[TXDart]

20 People Missing in Bastrop

Updated: Sunday, 11 Sep 2011, 3:43 PM CDT
Published : Sunday, 11 Sep 2011, 3:43 PM CDT

myFOXaustin(AUSTIN) - The Bastrop complex fire is half contained but authorities say 20 people are missing.

This is the latest information coming out of today's press briefing in Bastrop

County Judge Ronnie McDonald, urged residents to check in by calling 512-332-88-14 or 512-332-88-56.

The county has also set up a re-entry plan, some residents will be allowed in tomorrow.

For more information click on the links provided below.



Updated Information:

Gaylon Sampson and Dorothy Dylan have been located.






Read more: http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/news/texas/20-People-Missing-in-Bastrop-#ixzz1XgNJWYbI

 

[TXDart]

I'm at a loss for words. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

Grant

Prayers are working,Thanks Grant,
Martin

 

[TXDart]

Thanks for keeping the information coming. I will continue praying.

Thanks for the prayers,
Martin