For several days, Central Texas has been ablaze with 63 wildfires. More than 100,000 acres have burned and almost 500 families have lost their homes. A mother and her young baby lost their lives in one of the fires. Many more have been evacuated and are facing the heart-wrenching ordeal of not knowing what's happening to their homes. Brave efforts have also been undertaken to protect pets and livestock.
Texas has put out a call for any firefighters from outside of Central Texas - current or retired-- to help battle these blazes. FEMA will be here tomorrow to help in any way they can.
The Central Texas Red Cross has set up a fund to help these devastated families bridge this time in shelters and help them as they pick up the pieces.
If you'd like to help, you can donate to the Red Cross. (Blogger doesn't seem to want to create this link, so please copy and paste in your browser if the link doesn't work.)
http://bit.ly/pMgHDE
We're all watching and anxiously waiting for the winds to slow down and quit fueling these wildfires. We are 15 minutes away from one of the fires and safe, but clearly smell the smoke outside.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are affected by this devastation. Please help if you can.
It's very sad. I hope they get those fires under control soon.
ReplyDeleteThese fires are so scary.
ReplyDeleteWe helped our son and his family evacuate yesterday afternoon. They're in the Hamilton Pool fire area. The evacuation was called off later, so they're back home.
They lost a home to fire in 2003. No chance to save anything that time. At least now, they have things packed up...just in case.
We're all still in danger. Stay safe....
Diana, It's so heartbreaking. xogail
ReplyDeleteRohrerbot - so glad the winds finally died down today.
ReplyDeleteLinda - How awful - glad they are safe and back home.
Gail -- it's just terrible to watch.
Diana, it just brings tears to my eyes when I see the pics. And so scary for all of us. My brother had to evacuate due to Steiner Ranch fire. His place is ok, hopefully he has power again. When will it ever rain again?
ReplyDeletegetgrounded - We do so desperately need rain. There's something brewing in the Gulf - we can only hope.
ReplyDeleteHave been thinking about you when seeing these reports on TV. Saw some evidence of fires in Oklahoma last weekend. Very frightening.
ReplyDeleteJanet - It's just devastating. What a terrible year for natural disasters. What's next, the locusts? We are just praying for some rain. Our deficit for the year is 13 inches.
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