Cedar Park wildfire has caused major disruptions to peoples' lives. Here's how to help

Hundreds of people were displaced Tuesday night after a wildfire completely destroyed one apartment building and damaged three others in Cedar Park.

Officials believe a brush fire spread to the Bexley at Silverado apartments, located at 12820 W. Parmer Lane, due to high winds. Firefighters responded to the scene around 6:16 p.m. Tuesday and evacuated the apartments' residents, along with residents of the Whitestone Landing Townhomes and people in several surrounding businesses.

As of Wednesday morning, Cedar Park officials said the 50-acre wildfire was 60% contained. Residents of the evacuated buildings were able to access their units Wednesday morning with the exception of the building destroyed entirely by the fire.

Wildfire updates: Firefighters making progress on Cedar Park fire Wednesday; 60% contained

Here's how you can help those displaced by the fire:

Help temporarily house evacuees

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell Jr. asked Cedar Park residents to band together to support evacuees Tuesday night. With many unable to access shelter in a short timeframe, Gravell suggested others open their doors.

"I'd also encourage all of our citizens here in Williamson County — we have neighbors that are in need, and if you can step up tonight and you know of someone that has been displaced, let's do what we do in Williamson County the best: Let's bring them in, let's welcome them and let's take care of them tonight," Gravell said.

More: A wildfire in Cedar Park destroyed apartments and displaced hundreds. Here's what we know

Focus your efforts on fire prevention on your own property

Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin, standing in front of land decimated by the fire Wednesday, asked residents to conserve water through Friday morning to allow firefighters to refill their tanks. The Cedar Park Police Department encouraged people to refrain from watering their laws or outdoor plants during that timeframe.

The city is currently under a Stage 2 water conservation notice, according to its website. The city established a watering schedule for residents to follow.

Penniman-Morin also told residents to take fire prevention measures on their properties to avoid further destruction. The Texas A&M Forest Service published a list of methods to keep your house fire safe, including removing debris piles from your yard, trimming vegetation under trees and repairing defects to your home's exterior that may allow easy entrance for a fire.

Watch: Video shows Cedar Park apartment complex engulfed by wildfire

Support the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross set up a shelter location at Hill Country Bible Church, 3351 Little Elm Trail in Cedar Park, for those displaced and needing assistance. Penniman-Morin encouraged people to contact the American Red Cross and support its efforts.

'This is right outside my apartment:' Cedar Park resident records wildfire from balcony

The Austin Disaster Relief Network, a nonprofit, is working with the American Red Cross to deliver hygiene kits and Hope Family Thrift Store vouchers to those affected by the fire, the nonprofit announced Wednesday.

Those interested in giving financial donations are encouraged to call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcross.org, a spokesperson from the American Red Cross wrote in an email.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Cedar Park officials ask residents to aid wildfire victims. Here's how