September 8th, 2011
Hays County firefighters to return home soon

STAFF REPORT

The Dripping Springs-area fire dubbed the Pedernales Fire One is now contained away from the Hays County line. Hays County fire departments are still assisting Travis County with fighting that fire, but they may be able to return to Hays County as early as 5 p.m. today, according to a county spokeswoman.

The large wildfire forced the evacuation of more than 200 homes north of Dripping Springs along the Hays-Travis County line. The fire charred at least 6,400 acres and destroyed or damaged almost 70 homes as of Tuesday, according to Homeland Security and Emergency Response officials in Austin.

Various departments may continue to assist other areas in Texas as needed. The Hays County Emergency Operations Center is no longer activated.

For continued updates on the fire situation in Central Texas and for fire safety information:

http://ticc.tamu.edu/index.html

http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/main/default.aspx

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bastrop-County-Office-of-Emergency-Management/193202960708177

To donate money, goods or to volunteer to help in Central Texas:

Your local/area fire department may appreciate donations of water and food, which can be dropped off at fire stations all over Central Texas

Many businesses, religious groups and civic groups are collecting money and items for both responders and those affected by the fires

The West San Marcos 4-H and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Division are collecting items for the Bastrop fire victims: toiletries, comfort items, linens, pet food, etc. Contact Lt. Dennis Gutierrez, 512-393-7877 or

dg1203@co.hays.tx.us

http://www.austindisasterreliefnetwork.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=75376&columnid=6357

http://www.centex.redcross.org/index.asp?IDCapitulo=F9ZLZNZ3KD

Read more at the Hays Free Press http://haysfreepress.com/archives/23653#ixzz1XOxMBvsu