Crews hope to fully contain Hidden Pines fire soon

Firefighters are getting a handle on the Hidden Pines wildfire in Bastrop County. Officials said containment is at 80 percent and they hope to have the fire fully contained possibly today or in the next couple of days.

More than 60 families are combing through debris and trying to find what's left of their burned homes.

The fire has charred more than 4,500 acres and destroyed 64 homes and 77 non-residential structures.

Officials believe the fire was accidentally triggered by farming equipment.

More than 300 firefighters are working to contain the flames. Many hope the coming rain will bring relief and help extinguish what's left of the fire.

Crews made the most progress on October 20 which allowed evacuees to return to their properties. Some people found little damage to their homes while others discovered everything was destroyed.

Also, 47 students and eight staff members at Smithville ISD have been directly affected by this fire and are out of their homes. Many who weren't impacted are volunteering at shelters and feeding facilities or packing toiletry bags for first responders.

Recovery efforts are being coordinated through the Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Team. You can help out or donate money at their website here.