Bastrop Complex fire takes 1,386 homes

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - The Bastrop Complex fire -- the larger of the two blazes burning in the county -- has destroyed 1,386 homes, according to the latest update issued Thursday.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census survey, there are 22,018 households in Bastrop County. With those figures, that means that 6 percent of the homes in the county have been destroyed.

In addition, 11 homes were damaged -- four with major damage, four with minor and three that were somewhat affected.

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The latest figures came in at a time when the largest blaze is still only 30 percent contained four days after it broke out.

The Union Chapel fire is the smaller blaze and is located on the west side of the county. While the wildfire is 90 percent contained, people have already begun to be allowed to re-enter. The fire destroyed 28 homes.

There are 5,000 evacuees and 400 people in shelters.

Officials expected a little more wind Thursday and Friday than the area has seen for the past two days. And while critical fire conditions exist, there is no red flag warning in effect.

Support from firefighters all over Texas and the country have been pouring into Bastrop. And the extra support seemed to have made a difference because just in the last 24 hours, they have finally gained some ground on the biggest fire in the area.

Still, it's going to be a very long road for those who have homes in the fire zone.

Just more than 200 residents had their worst fears realized for the first time Wednesday when a list for the addresses of destroyed homes was posted at the Bastrop Convention Center.

And while many looking at the paper walked away in tears, the list is only about one-seventh of the homes destroyed -- mainly in the Circle D neighborhoods.

Homes farther south have not yet been posted because the area is still too unstable to gather all the necessary information. That list will likely be added to Thursday.

KXAN News tagged along with a state representative to head into the fire zone, visiting the Tahitian Village and Colonivista neighborhoods -- some of the worst hit areas.

Charred vehicles, burned ashes where houses once were and other damage lined the streets.

Like many fires, the Bastrop Complex blaze has proved to be unpredictable. One house would be untouched by flames, while others right next to them were wiped out. The scene was even overwhelming for Bastrop Fire Chief Henry Perry.

"Utter devastation. It's heartbreaking to me as fire chief that on my watch, lost this many homes. Can't explain it."

In addition, the boil water notice is still in effect for most of Bastrop Country south of U.S. Highway 290, except the city of Bastrop.