Since Labor Day wild fires have been a daily threat in Central Texas. In the past week, I’ve been to two fires in San Marcos, but there are many more still burning all over the Austin area.
The first fire I went to was on Saturday, when my husband and I saw smoke while driving on IH 35. We went home, grabbed my camera equipment and headed south to Post Road in San Marcos.
That fire started on a family ranch. There was really only one access point for vehicles, which was blocked off for firefighters. We drove around for a little while trying to find a good view of the fire, but the area was surrounded by trees and brush, so I stuck to shooting from the road.
Only about five acres burned thanks to prompt responses from area fire departments, the Texas Forrest Service, two helicopters and a large airplane carrying fire retardant.
Here are a few of my shots.
The second fire was yesterday, also in San Marcos. The Statesman got a report of a structure fire off Hilliard Road and they called me in to take photos.
The fire destroyed a “multi-building structure” that was a home to six people. It also sparked nearby grass fires, which were quickly contained.
When I arrived, firefighters lead me down a driveway to the fire. At that point they were putting out the remaining hot spots as a few of the home’s residents watched.
Here are my photos.
