Spring Pine Fire in Bastrop County: Containment underway and some evacuated

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas - The Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management is working to contain a wildfire in Bastrop State Park.

March 23

Bastrop County OEM says that engine crews will be spending Monday "mopping up" to "extinguish all heat near the containment lines to ensure that the fire stays within them."

A Texas Parks & Wildlife helicopter is also conducting water drops on the most active areas of the fire.

One lane of the eastbound side of Highway 21 has been reopened. Smoke will be visible from the highway and surrounding areas throughout the day.

A wind shift is also expected this afternoon. 

March 22

Officials posted on social media about the Spring Pine Fire at around 9 p.m. on March 22. 

There were no mandatory evacuations ordered, but voluntary evacuations took place at the Bastrop State Park historic cabins and three homes on the north edge of the park.

At around 10:15 p.m. on March 22, officials announced evacuations for The Pines at Bastrop RV Park.

The eastbound lanes of Highway 21 have been shut down for firefighter safety and fire operations.

Officials said that the most active part of the fire was inside the park with lower intensity flames on the portion parallel to Highway 21.

By the numbers:

Containment as of Bastop County OEM's last update is at 55% with about 46 acres burned.

What's next:

Officials say bulldozers have worked their way to the eastern side of the fire and are working to complete containment lines on the western side.

Fire engines have been staged at nearby homes to prepare for potential structure protection. 

What you can do:

Avoid the area if possible.

Westbound Highway 21 drivers should proceed with caution as smoke is thick across the highway.