BASTROP WILDFIRES

The Central Texas Red Cross was first called by local officials @ approximately 3pm on Saturday. Local Bastrop volunteers responded with canteening support for the first responders. When the extent of the disaster became clear we opened a shelter at the Smithville Recreation Center. We provided cots, blankets, personal hygiene items and the local community pitched in with home cooked food. The first night we sheltered 27 people.  

The shelter remained open through Sunday while local officials began to provide information about which homes had been destroyed and which had survived. Red Cross mental health counselors were on had to provide comfort. Red Cross caseworkers came in at noon to help clients with lost clothing, shoes and other items. By Sunday evening only 6 guests remained at the shelter. On Monday those guests departed as the last of the roads were opened and the sheltering operation was closed. Monday evening Red Cross caseworkers continued to help victims with lost items such as clothing and prescription medication. 

The Red Cross is grateful to the local community for the generous support they showed to their neighbors in this crisis. The Fire Victims Assistance Relief Program, a private group operating out of Bastrop, is accepting donations of goods to aid victims of the recent fires. Please call Amber Wilson at (512) 297-6800 for more information.