AUSTIN, Texas — Some evacuations have been lifted as crews continue to contain a 400-acre wildfire in Bastrop County that started Sunday.
Many people were forced to leave their homes after the Hudson Fire started around noon on Sunday about 8 miles east of Bastrop, just north of State Highway 71.
The Texas A&M Forest Service said Monday that a structure fire started the wildfire. As of 5:30 p.m., the fire had spread across 400 acres and was 50% contained.
Initially, about 65 homes were evacuated as a precaution by the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office. Homes along Gotier Trace Road and Park Road 1C had their evacuations lifted, but homes off Pines Park Drive remain under evacuation orders. Officials say residents will need to provide proof of residence before going home.
Will Sellers is a neighbor who is renting a nearby property and is most concerned about his animals.
"So, right now, I got three dogs and two goats. I have no idea if they're safe," Sellers said. "Pretty nervous, definitely. Definitely more concerned about them than material stuff over there."
Residents who were asked to evacuate can stay at the Smithville Recreation Center at 106 Royston St. Animals are not allowed at the shelter, but local agriculture and animal services are working on a plan for animals impacted by the fire.
In Monday's media briefing, officials said some residents have already been able to return home.
Texas Parks and Wildlife, Bastrop County ESD 2, STAR Flight and the Smithville Fire Department are assisting the Texas A&M Forest Service as they attempt to contain the fire. Two STAR Flight helicopters and Forest Service "super scoopers" are also being used.
This area of Bastrop County is no stranger to wildfires. The Powder Keg Fire burned 117 acres in a similar area of the county in August 2023.
"We have plants that are a little bit more flammable with a little bit less rain to support that. And of course, we do have also the number one cause of fires in Texas in that area. and that's people," Kari Hines with the Texas A&M Forest Service said.
Sen. Ted Cruz said Sunday that he and his team were monitoring the fire and urged residents in the area to heed instructions from their local officials.