Gov. Rick Perry has activated state resources to combat wildfires in Central Texas including four Texas Military Forces Blackhawk helicopters.
A statement from the governor's office Sunday said the helicopters can aid in the wildfire fight because they are equipped to drop water and fire retardant, Texas Forest Service fire fighters and equipment.
At least 25 homes and three businesses have been destroyed as of Sunday evening by a fire that has charred grass, heavy timber and brush near Bastrop, which is about 30 miles southeast of Austin, and Smithville. Businesses that were lost in the fire include a cafe and a gift shop.
The fire was about 70 percent contained by Sunday afternoon, Texas Forest Service spokesman Lewis Kearney said. A 20-person crew from North Carolina was expected to be on the scene Monday to help with mop-up duties.
No additional structures were under threat on Sunday, said Kearney. Residents who were evacuated during the night were being escorted back into the area to assess their property. Two of three evacuation shelters were closed.
The wildfire has charred just over a square mile since it was started Saturday by a fallen power line. Kearney said the fire was about 70 percent contained on Sunday afternoon.
Officials said 13 residents spent Saturday night in a Red Cross shelter. Officials evacuated residents and shut down the highway leading into the area Saturday.
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Firefighters were also battling a 200-acre pasture fire in Dimmit County in southwest Texas on Sunday. No structures were under threat, Kearney said. Several smaller fires were also being fought in East Texas.
