Bastrop County's two wildfires continue burning, but containment improving

Maddie Scott, Austin American-Statesman
Updated ·2 min read
1

Two ongoing wildfires in Bastrop County have reached 80% and 95% containment, according to officials.

The Powder Keg Fire near Bastrop State Park has burned 117 acres since Tuesday and is 80% contained, while the Mesquite Field Fire in southern Bastrop County has burned 38 acres since Wednesday and is 95% contained as of about 3 p.m. Thursday, according to Texas A&M Forest Service.

A blaze from Bastrop County's Powder Keg Fire burns on Tuesday. Fire fighters on Thursday were still battling the blaze but are closer to having it fully contained.
A blaze from Bastrop County's Powder Keg Fire burns on Tuesday. Fire fighters on Thursday were still battling the blaze but are closer to having it fully contained.

A red flag warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday from 12 p.m. through 9 p.m. due to the low relative humidity and critical to extremely dry fuels, said Bastrop County officials. These conditions can result in fires rapidly spreading.

Lyndsey Schroeder, the executive assistant to county Judge Gregory Klaus, said there have been no reported injuries in either fire. One outbuilding was damaged in the Mesquite Field Fire, she said.

According to Schroeder, the Powder Keg Fire saw two outbuildings or sheds destroyed, one recreational vehicle lost and the siding of one home burned.

Powder Keg Fire

Initially reported at 1:35 p.m. Tuesday, the Powder Keg Fire began as a grass fire on the side of Texas 71, said Schroeder. She said the cause of the grass fire is not known.

Evacuations were announced about a half-hour later for residences between Harmon Road and Pine Hill Loop. At 9:19 p.m., residents were allowed to return to their homes.

Officials said the fire's forward progression began slowing at 5:05 p.m. on Tuesday and stopped a few hours later. The fire was reported to be 50 acres at 7:03 p.m., and grew to 100 acres by 8:14 p.m. On Wednesday night, the fire was 117 acres with 75% containment.

By about noon Thursday, Texas A&M reported the fire to be 80% contained, covering 117 acres.

Mesquite Field Fire

The Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management and first responders began battling the Mesquite Field Fire at 554 Hellinger Road at 2:35 p.m. on Wednesday. In the next hour, the fire was estimated to cover 20 acres with 0% containment. At 10:15 p.m., the fire covered 37 acres with 80% containment.

Bastrop officials posted an update on Facebook at 10 a.m. Thursday, saying that the fire operations will continue. The fire's containment changed to 95% at 3 p.m. on Thursday, covering 38 acres, according to Texas A&M.

No evacuations have been announced by the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Two fires in Bastrop County continue burning but mostly contained