400-acre forest fire near Bastrop

Jordan’s parents’ house in Smithville is dangerously close to a forest fire near Bastrop that’s already spreading across 400 acres.

My pal Dug just called me to warn me, and when we checked Jordan’s phone she had a message from her mom. Her parents are there now trying to get valuables (including Jordan’s wedding dress) out of the house. This news story seemed to have the most details:

BASTROP – A forest fire is burning at Alum Creek Road and Park Road 1C, in between the Bastrop State Park and Buescher State Park near Highway 7. According to the Texas Forest Service, the fire crossed Highway 71 and 300 acres had burned as of about 3:40 p.m., but the fire was still spreading. At that time there were reports that three homes had been destroyed and more than 150 homes were threatened. The Texas Forest Service said 50 homes had been evacuated. Highway 71 was closed going eastbound at Pinehill Road.

Bastrop Country Judge Ronnie McDonald issued a declaration of disaster, which allows the county to receive federal aid dollars to fight the fire.

The Texas Forest Service said two air tankers, one helicopter and dozens of tractors were fighting the blaze.

Jordan’s folks live on Park Road 1C adjacent to Buescher State Park. This is pretty scary, but it seems like there’s a chance the fire won’t reach Buescher. The wind seems to be carrying the fire south across 71, and there’s a large clearing that could buffer the park against a fire moving eastward. Also, an MD Anderson Cancer Research Center is near the house, and firefighters would undoubtedly go to some lengths to defend it.