Wilderness Ridge Fire
Location: 33 Miles SE of Austin, Bastrop Co. TX
Specific Location: Lat: 30° 5´ 30″ Lon: 97° 12´ 6″
Date of Origin: 02/28/2009
Cause: Under investigation, possibly downed powerline
Situation as of 03/03/2009 8:00pm
Personnel: 34
Size: 1,491 acres:
Percent Contained: 85%
Structures Destroyed: 29 homes , 12 businesses , 13 outbuildings
Losses include 29 homes, 12 businesses and 13 other buildings, with an additional 200 homes, 5 businesses and 30 outbuildings saved. Despite diminished winds yesterday the fire remained active in heavy fuels including timber, brush and grass. Some evacuated residents were being allowed to return to their homes yesterday. A downed power line is believed to be the cause.
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Situation as of 03/01/2009 6:00pm
Personnel: 34
Size: 1,200 acres:
Percent Contained: 70%
Structures Destroyed: 28 homes , 12 businesses , 13 outbuildings
Active fire behavior in heavy fuels
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Situation as of 02/28/2009 6:00pm
Personnel: 12
Size: 400 acres:
Percent Contained: 10%
Structures Destroyed: 12 residences , 3 commercial buildings , 13 outbuildings
Note: the Austin American-Statesman reports on 03/01 that 23 homes have been destroyed, and the fire was 650 acres [here].
At one point, more than 200 homes were threatened. One firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation, but no other injuries were reported Saturday night.
Portions of Texas 71 between Bastrop and Smithville were shut down as crews from at least four firefighting airplanes, three helicopters and a host of emergency vehicles toiled to keep the fast-moving fire, fed by gusty winds and parched conditions, at bay.
County Judge Ronnie McDonald declared Bastrop a disaster zone, opening the way for state or federal help. It’s the second time in less than two weeks that the judge has declared a disaster. McDonald recently wrote Gov. Rick Perry asking for help because of record dry conditions.
The area struck by the fire is home to Bastrop’s piney woods and some of its agriculture. It is also dotted with subdivisions. Sandra Taylor, a spokeswoman for the Texas Forest Service, which was assisting Bastrop County with the fire, said officials did not know the names of the destroyed businesses.
As night fell, officials said the fire was 40 percent contained and said they were hoping to make a stand along the Colorado River.
Observed Fire Behavior: Running fire with flame lengths to 40′ and ROS of 1-2 mph. Long distance spotting.
Note 2: as of 6:00pm Mar 1 news wires are reporting 25 homes destroyed, 1,000 acres, 70% contained.
