Massive wildfire prompts evacuations near Bastrop in Central Texas

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas – A large wildfire has prompted evacuations near Bastrop in Central Texas.

The fire has been named the Hudson Fire and is now 400 acres in size, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. It is currently around 15%.

Evacuation orders have been issued for areas near the community of Alum Creek, just southeast of Bastrop.

The Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management said residents from Highway 71 north at Alum Creek to Gotier Trace were notified to evacuate.

Fire crews with heavy equipment are working to establish containment lines, and fire trucks are also working to protect threatened structures in the area. Airplanes are also working to fight the fire.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott reported in X that emergency response personnel were on the scene.

“We have deployed over 90 personnel and over 60 assets, including firefighters and soldiers, air tankers, fire trucks and more. We stand ready to mobilize all resources necessary to protect Texans. “We pray for the safety of everyone in Bastrop,” Abbott said on X.

At 8:50 p.m., the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management said the fire’s progress had slowed due to reduced winds and high humidity, but it had not stopped completely.

“Forward progress has slowed but not stopped. There are currently 7 bulldozers and more than 20 fire trucks on the scene. Lower wind speeds and higher humidity after nightfall help reduce fire behavior, the office said.