Wildfire victims return home to remains

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - Fire victims came back for the first time Tuesday morning to see what was left of their homes and businesses. Fire officials let them back in Tuesday around 10 a.m. Many spent hours sifting through the rubble, trying to salvage anything they could.

Jennifer Gwin, the owner of Bastrop Acupuncture, rummaged through what was left of her business, which was destroyed in the fire. She managed to recover pieces of her grandmother's vases.

"Each day is a little different," said Gwin. "You go through stages of grief."

Gwin did not have fire insurance, but she is grateful for the support of the community.

"I thought this is about letting go, but it's not," said Gwin. "It's about letting in and receiving, and it's been totally overwhelming."

As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire was 85 percent contained. It scorched 1,500 acres and destroyed 28 homes and 12 businesses.

Some insurance companies have released safety tips on how to avoid utter loss from damaging fires like the one in Bastrop.

• Keep the roof and gutters clear of debris
• Remove branches overhanging the roof and chimney.
• Keep trees and shrubs properly thinned and pruned within a defensible space. Defensible space gives firefighters a much greater chance of keeping a fire from destroying your home.
• Keep grass and weeds mowed to a low height.
• Make sure chimney screens are in place.
• Move firewood uphill from the home to a distance of 30 feet.
• Remove lower growing trees and shrubs (ladder fuels) that can spread a ground fir

They want to remind everyone that these tragic fires are a good reminder to check smoke detectors and to always have an escape plan for your family in case of a fire. Designate a nearby meeting place should you get separated. Also, create a home inventory of your belongings. Hold on to receipts. This will ensure any sort of insurance claim is settled quicker.

Some common questions that are asked when fires like this happen are things like "I don't own very much, so I don't need renter's insurance" or "Does my landlord's insurance protect me?" Both of these questions are valid. However, renter's insurance are remarkably affordable, an average of $17 a month. It is important to cover your belongings because fires are often accidental and unexpected.

At the very bottom of this page is a map of where all the fire has reached in the area.