BASTROP, Texas -- A massive wildfire is still raging in Central Texas. The latest numbers from the Texas Forest Service report it has now destroyed nearly 1,400 homes. It has also burned more than 34,000 acres and remains 30 percent contained.
Early Thursday afternoon city officials released a partial re-entry plan for portions of roadblocks that are scheduled to go down at 2 p.m. Those areas scheduled to be opened are as follows:
Paige
- Texas 21 East will be closed from Squirrel Run to Pine View Estates.
- Texas 21 East will be open from Bastrop to Pine View Estates.
- Texas 21 East will be open from Squirrel Run to U.S. 290.
- FM 1441 from Texas 95 to Rainbow.
- FM 1441 southbound will be closed at Rainbow.
- Pine Path eastbound will be closed at Old Firetower Road.
- Smithville west and Doty River subdivision
- Texas 71 westbound will be closed at the turnaround west of Kellar Road.
- Park Road westbound will closed at Antioch.
- Cottletown Road will be closed at Antioch.
- Gotier Trace Road westbound will be closed at Antioch.
Tahitian Village
- General area west of Akaloa, east of Lovers Lane, will be open. Don't go east of Akaloa.
Bastrop
- Texas 21 East will be open from Loop 150 to Texas 71.
- Texas 71 will remain closed between Tahitian Drive and Hidden Bluff Road.
All roadblocks are scheduled to be opened at the same time, and officials say they will try to get residents in as quickly as possible.
They warn residents who are allowed to return to their homes will most likely find the power out. They are asking for patience as crews begin to make repairs.
Another briefing to discuss a second portion of the re-entry plan is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Click here for a list of destroyed structures in Bastrop.
Emotions were growing among evacuees Thursday morning, who are feeling angry and frustrated.
“I want to know why I can't go into my house when other people can,” yelled one evacuee to a Bastrop official.
Thursday morning evacuees came by the Bastrop Community Center scanning the list of addresses, wanting confirmation one way or another. Officials announced that a re-entry plan will begin at noon on Thursday.
“I've already been told that my place is gone by eyewitnesses but I still want to see it on the list,” said Bastrop evacuee, Michael Mott.
Mott lost his home. So did his children and some other relatives.
“It's pretty devastating here. Every minute you're reminded of what you did have, but don't have. You just gotta remember there's time to rebuild,” said Mott.
Overnight, firefighters confirmed the number of homes destroyed now reaches nearly 1,400. The threat for more damage continues.
“Never thought of it. Never took it serious enough. I don't think anybody did, but this will wake everybody up,” said Mott.
Firefighters continue the battle against the massive blaze. Overnight, more resources came to help, stretching from South Texas up to Alaska.
Despite the devastation, many evacuees are holding on to hope.
“Can't do nothing about it. Rebuild and start over. The main thing is I got my family and my animals,” said Bastrop evacuee Dwayne Allen.
There have been many hugs exchanged from wildfire victims to the first responders.
“Not to worry, you're doing a good job,” encouraged one victim.
Hand-made "thank you" cards from the youngest of the victims were posted on the doors of the community center. Each word of encouragement goes a long way for the men and women battling the flames along the front lines.
Firefighters say weather conditions expected Thursday will work in their favor. By Friday winds are expected to pick up and humidity levels will drop; making the fire fight more difficult.
Homes still line the path of the blaze. Firefighters warn the number of homes lost could continue to grow.
