1,300 Homes Burned in Bastrop County Texas [Video]

The latest report out from KVET in Austin, Tx chronicles the fires in Texas and reports on the damages.

According to the latest estimates released by officials in Bastrop County, 1,386 structures, all homes, have been destroyed by the wildfire that continues to burn largely uncontained. As of early Thursday morning, the wildfire remains just 30 percent contained, though firefighters are expected to be briefed at 8:00 a.m. with updates on any progress made overnight.

On Wednesday Bastrop County officials released a partial list of the homes that have been damaged by the massive wildfire that has torn through the county this week. That fire has burned approximately 38,000 acres and has claimed two lives. Bastrop County authorities released the name of one of the two victims. Michael Farr, a city of Austin employee, was found dead in his Smithville home.

The area affected by the fire is an estimated 25 miles long and 20 miles wide.

For the first time since the fire broke out on Sunday, officials released a list of over 200 homes that were confirmed to have fire damage.

LINK: List of Homes Damaged by Fire (note: this is not a complete list)

LINK: Map of Bastrop Fire

LINK: Map of Union Chapel Fire

Crews have been handing out protective masks due to the high risk of smoke inhalation. Visibility is near zero in some places, and thick smoke has spread throughout the town.

On Wednesday eight Black Hawk helictopters and three Chinook helicopters helped battle the blaze.

For updated information, please visit Bastrop County's website at www.co.bastrop.tx.us .

LINK: Info for Fire Victims

Officials have shared that the fire, which has required assistance from dozens of firefighting units - a total of 366 firefighters - from across the state, could be days from containment, though they're hoping to make further headway with the containment in advance of worsening wind conditions that are expected on Friday. Texas Task Force 1 was on the scene yesterday with 100 people and 12 dogs to survey the damage along with several law enforcement agencies including the Austin Police Department, state police and DPS Troopers.

Over 5,000 residents have been displaced from 20 subdivisions. LINK: Map of area in Bastrop that has been evacuated. Residents in the Hobbs Creek subdivision have also been evacuated. County officials set up shelters for those that were evacuated at:

Bastrop Middle School
Ascension Catholic Church
Bastrop Christian Outreach Center
Smithville Recreation Center
Elgin Family Worship

Despite earlier reports, the shelter at Bastrop Middle School is remaining open indefinitely. Officials are working on a a permanent shelter.

No one were allowed back into the Bastrop neighborhoods Wednesday after some people returned Tuesday to survey the damage. Law enforcement officials were urging people to stay out of the evacuated ares. Many people tried to run through road blocks and officers have almsot been injured.

Additionally, a second wildfire broke out near Union Chapel this week, and has consumed nearly 900 acres and 27 homes. That fire is now 100% contained.

Residents that were evacuated due to this fire were beign allowed back into their neighborhoods on Wednesday with the exception of people in the Bluebonnet Acres area.

Due to the continuation of the wildfires in Bastrop County, Bastrop ISD officials have made the decision to cancel school throughout the week. They are looking to reopen on Monday. All school related activities have also been canceled. This includes all athletic events and all extra-curricular activities.

Several Roads have been closed as a result of the fire. Highway 21 between Bastrop and Smithville and from Bastrop to 290 is closed. FM 1441 between Highway 95 and Highway 21 is also closed.

Bluebonnet Power has had to cut electricity to many homes in the area as firefighters worked to fight the fire. Many homes that are not being threatened by the fire might lose power. Currently, there are 4300 without power.

Additionally, there is a boil water notice for parts of Bastrop. LINK: Boil Water Notice

Bastrop County Residents are asked to call either 512-332-8856 or 512-332-8814 to get information about the fire and when they will be allowed back into their homes.

The fire originally began in the Circle D neighborhood on Sunday around 2:00 p.m. The wind blew a second fire off of 290 to join that one. The fire has forced evacuations in Tahitian Village and Pine Forest.

Over 1,300 Homes Burned in Bastrop Wildfire: MyFoxAUSTIN.com