Central Texas Wildfires
In the midst of triple digit temperatures and a seemingly endless drought, Central Texas became the perfect environment for a series of devastating wildfires in the greater Austin area. More than 29,000 acres in Bastrop alone burned, and this morning schools across Smithville, Leander, and Cedar Park opted to close their doors. Countless neighborhoods have been evacuated, and the estimates are inconclusive, but its been said that more than 600 homes have been destroyed. Below are donation opportunities as well as sheltering and information links to government agencies and noprofits collaborating to contain the fire(s) and help the victims.
Donation Opportunities
Austin Disaster Relief Network: Accepting cash donations, diapers, underwear, socks, bottled water and Gatorade
Capital Area Food Bank: Accepting nonperishable food, bottled water, granola bars, peanut butter, and canned meats
Texas Wildfire Relief Fund: Provides equipment, training, fuel, food, etc. to firefighters fighting wildfires
Austin Christian Fellowship: Accepting donations of trash bags, work gloves, toiletries, non-perishable snacks, pet food, batteries, and bottled beverages
Austin Pets Alive: Hosting free adoptions of evacuated animals at locations throughout Austin and collecting donations of pet food, water bowls, and crates
Catholic Charities of Central Texas: Accepting donations of medical supplies, sleeping bags, toiletries, bedding, baby supplies, paper plates/napkins/cups, and other cleanliness supplies
American Red Cross of Central Texas: Accepting cash donations
St. Vincent de Paul: Accepting clothing donations
Rundell Business Park is accepting donations for Bastrop County (512) 332.8661
Faith Family Services: Picking up clothing and food donations to take to partner charities
Hill Country Bible Church: Accepting gatorade, snacks, and nonperishable items
University of Texas: collection drives are gathering goods in front of Gregory Gym for distribution from 11am-2pm daily
Dirty Dog Locations: Accepting dog and cat food, litter, pet toys, beds, towels, and animal crates
Bookpeople: Accepting cash donations at checkout to benefit the American Red Cross of Central Texas
Hays 4H: Accepting donations of toiletries, bed and bath linens for Bastrop families call Lt. Dennis Gutierrez at (512) 393.7877
Evacuee Shelter Locations & Support
Those in need of crisis counseling in the wake of hte wildfires can call (512) 472.HELP for Austin Travis County Integral Care
Fire Victim Relief Hotline (512) 331.2600
American Legion in Bastrop is sheltering pets and livestock. In Steiner Ranch, the Austin Fire Department is helping to locate and search homes for missing family pets (follow @Disasteranimals on twitter for more information)
Travis County Evacuation Hotline: (512) 974.6199
Bastrop Fire Evacuation Hotline: (512) 332.8814
Home Away is offering reduced or FREE housing for wildfire evacuees
USPS urges fire victims to consult their local delivry post office for alternatives until they can establish permanent residence. Hotline: 800-ASK-USPS
United Way Hotline: 211
Travel & Evacuation Information
As of September 6th, the fires are not affecting Austin-Bergstrom Airport, but traffic delays surrounding the area are to be expected (visit @AustinAirport on twitter for additional information)
As of September 6th, nonresidents will be asked to leave Steiner Ranch neighborhoods
As of September 6th, Austin will begin phase II water restrictions: no charity carwashes, no automatic irrigation systems after 10am and more
City of Austin officials are claiming the 911 system is overloaded with non-emergency calls, and are requesting that unless you are experiencing an emergency or see a fire not to call
Texas Forest Service: Road closures and wildfire updates
City of Bastrop: Official communication and local government updates on evacuations
FEMA information relating to the fires
As of September 6th, huge traffic jams are reported along 620 near Steiner Ranch
First responders can get free showers, food, and beverages at Dell Children's Hospital via the ER entrance (4900 Mueller Blvd. Austin) (512)324.0000 ext. 86557
Steiner Ranch has been re-opened and residents are able to return to their homes. The Austin office of HSEM is routing victims though 311 for assistance.
As of September 6th, Highway 71W from Pedernales River to Fall Creek is now open.
As of September 6th Bastrop ISD will be closed for the remainder of the week
YMCA of Austin: Offering free child care for Bastrop area families with children that are potty trained