Out of control wildfires in Texas have destroyed more than 1,000 homes across the region and over 100,000 acres. The wildfires are being blamed on the lack of rain in the region over the past year.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry left his presidential campaign in South Carolina to return to Texas and deal with the fires this week.
Bastrop County was one of the hardest hit areas and suffered one of the worst wildfires in Texas history where reports claim at least 5,000 people were forced from their homes and over 28,000 acres have been destroyed.
According to My San Antonio, the fire was pushed by strong winds and steadily moved south Monday and expanded through the day, jumping the Colorado River twice.
According to The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, historic structures at Bastrop State Park are being reported at risk. PWD incident commander Robert Crossman said all but about 100 acres of the 6,000-acre park have been blackened by fire although firefighters have been able to save most of the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps-constructed structures on the park but two CCC observation structures are said to have been damaged.
According to Gonzalescannon.com, across the state, officials are fighting more than 60 wildfires but so far, no injuries have been reported in Bastrop County (with two deaths reported in an East Texas wildfire near Gladewater).
With Associated Press
