LATEST FROM HAYS COUNTY ON FIRES
UPDATE (12:58PM) — We just spoke with CERT set up at the Dripping Springs Home Depot and they are transferring everything to a center closer to the fires. They are breaking down and moving out now. They do not need anything else before they transfer because Dripping turned out in droves to help.
UPDATE (11am — TUESDAY, SEPT 6) — FROM HAYS COUNTY: The Hays County Citizen information line has been discontinued. Please check area news reports. Volunteers and donations are no longer needed at this time in Hays County due to the generous support of area citizens and businesses. But, neighboring counties are still in need. Please contact the Red Cross, Salvation Army or other volunteer group where your efforts can help greatly.
UPDATE (9:15pm — TUESDAY, SEPT 6) — FROM HAYS COUNTY: The Pedernales One Fire remained in Travis County. Hays County fire fighters and law enforcement remain engaged assisting in fighting the fire from the Hays County side near Hamilton Pool Road. Additional heavy equipment has been requested and is en route this morning to assist. Low winds are helping, but low humidity is still a concern. As of 9 a.m. Tuesday there are no shelters open in Hays County and no evacuations.
UPDATE (7AM - TUESDAY, SEPT 6) — Thank you to everyone for all the kind words. We're glad we have the opportunity to convey the information we receive. No new word from Hays County this morning, but as soon as we receive an update we'll post. With regard to Steiner Ranch, YNN has just reported that the preliminary report from the Fire Marshal’s Office is: "High winds may have caused downed power lines to rub together, spark."
The Bastrop fire is still raging (but thankfully these winds have died). Sounds like at least 500 homes destroyed and 5,000 evacuated. The extent of the devastation will no doubt be staggering. There are lots of groups offering help and taking donations. If you are with an organization coordinating an organized effort, please let us know at driptips@gmail.com.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2011 UPDATES, BELOW:
UPDATE (9:49PM): HAYS COUNTY — Hays County Emergency Management officials have ended the mandatory evacuation of residences in northwestern Hays County and are allowing residents to return to their homes. Some 210 residences were contacted to be evacuated. The area evacuated included the Stagecoach Ranches subdivision and the Bell Springs Road-Lost Creek Road-Grand Summit Road area in Hays County as well as Cedar Springs Ranch, River Oaks Ranch and Ranches at Hamilton Pool.
Light winds, higher humidity and lots of hard work by regional fire fighters, law enforcement, County Transportation Department equipment operators and a host of others kept the Pedernales One Fire from encroaching farther into Hays County on Monday. The fire is currently contained on the north side of Hamilton Pool Road. Fire personnel in Hays County will watch the area for hotspots over night and will continue their work Tuesday as necessary.
Hamilton Pool Road is now open.
The shelter at Dripping Springs Middle School on Tiger Lane in Dripping Springs is closed.
Note: No additional reports are expected overnight, so this will probably be our last update. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the firefighters, evacuees, and those who lost so much in these Texas fires.
UPDATE (8:09PM): We don't have any new official information. Rumors are rampant but we're sticking to officially confirmed information (trying to anyway). Not officially confirmed, but it certainly feels like the winds are dying down and we've seen a few weather reports that indicate they will continue to do so tonight.
UPDATE (5:25PM) — FROM HAYS COUNTY! — Hays County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for the northern areas of Hays County that were requested to evacuate Sunday evening due to the fire known as Pedernales One (and also as the Spicewood Fire). The concern is that this fast-moving fire and strong, changeable winds could endanger residences in that area. Roads in the area are difficult to access as well. The fire is about one mile from that area and moving fast according to officials on the scene.
The area includes the Stagecoach Ranches subdivision and the Bell Springs Road-Lost Creek Road-Grand Summit Road area in Hays County. Other subdivisions affected include Cedar Springs Ranch, River Oaks Ranch and Ranches at Hamilton Pool.
Residents can go to an evacuation shelter at Dripping Springs Middle School on Tiger Lane in Dripping Springs.
Hays County residents who have questions can call the County information line at 512.753.2180. Information is posted to the Hays County website at www.co.hays.tx.us and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/hayscounty.
PREVIOUS UPDATES
UPDATE (10:19am): From Constable Hood — The area affected continues to be restricted to Hamilton Pool Rd. (North perimeter)), from Stagecoach Ranch Rd. (West perimeter) Bell Springs Rd. (East perimeter) to Lost Creek and Grand Summit (South perimeter). Due to the winds, the fire department is not giving any estimates on containment. The mandatory evacuation for the above areas has been lifted, BUT officials are requesting that unless it’s an emergency that residents do no return to their homes at this time, due to emergency equipment continually being moved in and out of the area.
UPDATE (10:47am): myFOXaustin has posted an update on the fire near Spicewood with a few associated photos.
UPDATE (11:49am): KVUE reporting near the Spicewood fire: "Conditions seem to be getting worse. 20 homes have been lost and 30 damaged. We expect more official news shortly."
UPDATE (12:25pm): FROM HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT — Hays County Emergency Operations Center is cautioning Hays County residents and visitors who are north of Highway 290 West in Hays County between Blanco and Travis County lines to be very aware of smoke/ash that could limit visibility and cause respiratory issues.
Be aware of rapidly changing weather/wind and fire conditions and be prepared to evacuate if officials request that you do so. If you are requested to evacuate you will be advised of shelter locations. Please be extremely careful.
The Pedernales One Fire is still within Travis County but is within a mile or two of northern Hays County near Hamilton Pool Road. Weather conditions could cause the fire to progress or change direction at any time. Please be vigilant.
UPDATE (4pm): FROM HAYS COUNTY — The Pedernales One Fire continues to be a potentially dangerous situation. Please be extremely careful.
The Pedernales One fire in Travis County is now approximately 2.75 miles north of Hamilton Pool Road. The fire is still in Travis County, but with increasing winds and lowering humidity emergency management officials remain concerned that the fire will progress toward Hays County. Officials are recommending that those persons in the Stagecoach Ranch subdivision and the Bell Springs-Lost Creek-Grand Summit areas remain away from their homes. An evacuation shelter is available at Dripping Springs Middle School on Tiger Lane in Dripping Springs.
Rough terrain in the area will make it difficult if not impossible for fire equipment and responders to get to the fire along the Pedernales River. Hays County responders currently plan to confront the fire along Hamilton Pool Road. Hays County equipment, including heavy road equipment, water trucks and fuel trucks, will be joining area fire responders and law enforcement in fighting the fire and managing traffic.
Be aware of rapidly changing weather/wind and fire conditions and be prepared to evacuate if officials request that you do so. Stay tuned to local/area media for the latest news. If you are requested to evacuate you will be advised of shelter locations.
Hays County residents who have questions can call the County information line at 512.753.2180. Information is posted to the Hays County website at www.co.hays.tx.us and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/hayscounty.
The shaded area of the map is the area where Hays County Sheriff's Dept is asking folks to be especially vigilant.
UPDATE (11am — TUESDAY, SEPT 6) — FROM HAYS COUNTY: The Hays County Citizen information line has been discontinued. Please check area news reports. Volunteers and donations are no longer needed at this time in Hays County due to the generous support of area citizens and businesses. But, neighboring counties are still in need. Please contact the Red Cross, Salvation Army or other volunteer group where your efforts can help greatly.
UPDATE (9:15pm — TUESDAY, SEPT 6) — FROM HAYS COUNTY: The Pedernales One Fire remained in Travis County. Hays County fire fighters and law enforcement remain engaged assisting in fighting the fire from the Hays County side near Hamilton Pool Road. Additional heavy equipment has been requested and is en route this morning to assist. Low winds are helping, but low humidity is still a concern. As of 9 a.m. Tuesday there are no shelters open in Hays County and no evacuations.
UPDATE (7AM - TUESDAY, SEPT 6) — Thank you to everyone for all the kind words. We're glad we have the opportunity to convey the information we receive. No new word from Hays County this morning, but as soon as we receive an update we'll post. With regard to Steiner Ranch, YNN has just reported that the preliminary report from the Fire Marshal’s Office is: "High winds may have caused downed power lines to rub together, spark."
The Bastrop fire is still raging (but thankfully these winds have died). Sounds like at least 500 homes destroyed and 5,000 evacuated. The extent of the devastation will no doubt be staggering. There are lots of groups offering help and taking donations. If you are with an organization coordinating an organized effort, please let us know at driptips@gmail.com.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2011 UPDATES, BELOW:
UPDATE (9:49PM): HAYS COUNTY — Hays County Emergency Management officials have ended the mandatory evacuation of residences in northwestern Hays County and are allowing residents to return to their homes. Some 210 residences were contacted to be evacuated. The area evacuated included the Stagecoach Ranches subdivision and the Bell Springs Road-Lost Creek Road-Grand Summit Road area in Hays County as well as Cedar Springs Ranch, River Oaks Ranch and Ranches at Hamilton Pool.
Light winds, higher humidity and lots of hard work by regional fire fighters, law enforcement, County Transportation Department equipment operators and a host of others kept the Pedernales One Fire from encroaching farther into Hays County on Monday. The fire is currently contained on the north side of Hamilton Pool Road. Fire personnel in Hays County will watch the area for hotspots over night and will continue their work Tuesday as necessary.
Hamilton Pool Road is now open.
The shelter at Dripping Springs Middle School on Tiger Lane in Dripping Springs is closed.
Note: No additional reports are expected overnight, so this will probably be our last update. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the firefighters, evacuees, and those who lost so much in these Texas fires.
UPDATE (8:09PM): We don't have any new official information. Rumors are rampant but we're sticking to officially confirmed information (trying to anyway). Not officially confirmed, but it certainly feels like the winds are dying down and we've seen a few weather reports that indicate they will continue to do so tonight.
UPDATE (5:25PM) — FROM HAYS COUNTY! — Hays County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for the northern areas of Hays County that were requested to evacuate Sunday evening due to the fire known as Pedernales One (and also as the Spicewood Fire). The concern is that this fast-moving fire and strong, changeable winds could endanger residences in that area. Roads in the area are difficult to access as well. The fire is about one mile from that area and moving fast according to officials on the scene.
The area includes the Stagecoach Ranches subdivision and the Bell Springs Road-Lost Creek Road-Grand Summit Road area in Hays County. Other subdivisions affected include Cedar Springs Ranch, River Oaks Ranch and Ranches at Hamilton Pool.
Residents can go to an evacuation shelter at Dripping Springs Middle School on Tiger Lane in Dripping Springs.
Traffic on Hamilton Pool Road is being closed to in-going traffic. Residents will be allowed to leave the area via Hamilton Pool Road, but vehicles will not be allowed to enter Hamilton Pool Road at either end, Stagecoach Ranch Road on the west or Highland Plains Drive on the east, until further notice.
Please leave the area immediately and stay tuned to news.Hays County residents who have questions can call the County information line at 512.753.2180. Information is posted to the Hays County website at www.co.hays.tx.us and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/hayscounty.
PREVIOUS UPDATES
UPDATE (10:19am): From Constable Hood — The area affected continues to be restricted to Hamilton Pool Rd. (North perimeter)), from Stagecoach Ranch Rd. (West perimeter) Bell Springs Rd. (East perimeter) to Lost Creek and Grand Summit (South perimeter). Due to the winds, the fire department is not giving any estimates on containment. The mandatory evacuation for the above areas has been lifted, BUT officials are requesting that unless it’s an emergency that residents do no return to their homes at this time, due to emergency equipment continually being moved in and out of the area.
UPDATE (10:47am): myFOXaustin has posted an update on the fire near Spicewood with a few associated photos.
UPDATE (11:49am): KVUE reporting near the Spicewood fire: "Conditions seem to be getting worse. 20 homes have been lost and 30 damaged. We expect more official news shortly."
UPDATE (12:25pm): FROM HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT — Hays County Emergency Operations Center is cautioning Hays County residents and visitors who are north of Highway 290 West in Hays County between Blanco and Travis County lines to be very aware of smoke/ash that could limit visibility and cause respiratory issues.
Be aware of rapidly changing weather/wind and fire conditions and be prepared to evacuate if officials request that you do so. If you are requested to evacuate you will be advised of shelter locations. Please be extremely careful.
The Pedernales One Fire is still within Travis County but is within a mile or two of northern Hays County near Hamilton Pool Road. Weather conditions could cause the fire to progress or change direction at any time. Please be vigilant.
UPDATE (4pm): FROM HAYS COUNTY — The Pedernales One Fire continues to be a potentially dangerous situation. Please be extremely careful.
The Pedernales One fire in Travis County is now approximately 2.75 miles north of Hamilton Pool Road. The fire is still in Travis County, but with increasing winds and lowering humidity emergency management officials remain concerned that the fire will progress toward Hays County. Officials are recommending that those persons in the Stagecoach Ranch subdivision and the Bell Springs-Lost Creek-Grand Summit areas remain away from their homes. An evacuation shelter is available at Dripping Springs Middle School on Tiger Lane in Dripping Springs.
Rough terrain in the area will make it difficult if not impossible for fire equipment and responders to get to the fire along the Pedernales River. Hays County responders currently plan to confront the fire along Hamilton Pool Road. Hays County equipment, including heavy road equipment, water trucks and fuel trucks, will be joining area fire responders and law enforcement in fighting the fire and managing traffic.
Be aware of rapidly changing weather/wind and fire conditions and be prepared to evacuate if officials request that you do so. Stay tuned to local/area media for the latest news. If you are requested to evacuate you will be advised of shelter locations.
Hays County residents who have questions can call the County information line at 512.753.2180. Information is posted to the Hays County website at www.co.hays.tx.us and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/hayscounty.
The shaded area of the map is the area where Hays County Sheriff's Dept is asking folks to be especially vigilant.
Posted by DSBabble.com at Tuesday, September 06, 2011 9:21 AM 
Categories: WILDFIRES
Tags: pedernales one fire dripping springs
Categories: WILDFIRES
Tags: pedernales one fire dripping springs
Comments