Blog Schedule

I post on Monday with an occasional random blog thrown in for good measure. I do my best to answer all comments via email and visit around on the days I post.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Call for Help

I don't know how many of you are aware of the huge and horrible fire raging about 25 miles from Austin, Texas near a small town called Bastrop. As of this morning, over 33,000 acres and between 550 and 600 homes have been destroyed and two people have died. The valiant firefighters have only 30% of it contained.
Image taken from the website of  EarthSky: A Clear Voice for Science

















It is so big the smoke can seen from space. Currently some 1200 firefighters are battling blazes all across the state with extra help coming from as far away as California and Oregon.

It has destroyed more homes than any other Texas fire since they began keeping records. The number of people displaced and who have lost everything is mind-boggling.

You can see videos and pictures of the devastation here and here.

I realize there are disasters happening all across the United States and the world, still, I am sending out a call for help.

Give what you can.

You can donate to The Salvation Army here and to The Red Cross here.

Thank you.
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13 comments:

  1. MarciaSeptember 7, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    Thanks for telling people about this, Bish. There has been no end of disasters this year. Praying for an end to your drought.

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  2. PattiSeptember 7, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Wow, this is the first I've heard of this, that's awful.

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  3. Sarah TokeleySeptember 7, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Sheesh. I'll never complain about the weather in England again.

    My thoughts are with everyone involved.

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  4. Matthew MacNishSeptember 7, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    It's so scary. Kelly's dad lives about 20 miles north of Austin. I think it's called Georgetown.

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  5. Cynthia Chapman WillisSeptember 7, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    I have been watching this, Bish. Fire is terrifying. These wild fires are so scary. My heart aches for all of those affected and all the people who have lost their homes. Texas has really had a rough summer! Thanks for getting the word out, Bish. Be well and stay safe.

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  6. Laura S.September 7, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    This is terrible. It's been in the headlines all week. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Texas, especially the Austin area.

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  7. LynNerdKelleySeptember 7, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    It's been on the news, and I can't believe how widespread it is. Very, very scary, and it adds to the devastation of the drought. Pretty hard to fight a fire with limited resources, so they must be flying it in. What a nightmare. My sister-in-law and nieces live in Austin, and my nephew lives in Cedar Park. Sending prayers your way.

    When you get a chance, I have something for you on my blog. Hang in there, Bish.

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  8. Talli RolandSeptember 8, 2011 at 4:27 AM

    I had no idea, Bish. Thank you for making me aware of this.

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  9. ManzanitaSeptember 8, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    I have been following the news of Texas' unusual summer of heat and now the terrible fires. Thank you for making people aware. The home devastation is one of the worst I've heard of. What a loss.
    Manzanita@Wannabuyaduck

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  10. AngelaSeptember 8, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    This is awful. I hope the firefighters get it under control soon. Wish I could send all our rain down to Texas.

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  11. Anne SpollenSeptember 8, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Why is there so much celebrity news and we haven't heard of this?

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  12. Suzanne CasamentoSeptember 8, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    Anne has an excellent point. I'll help. Keep safe.

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  13. Bish DenhamSeptember 9, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    Thanks everyone! As to Anne's comment, the only thought that comes to mind is that California has celebrities with monstrous expensive homes. I hate to say it, but I bet when people think of Texas, they likely get an image of a red-neck living in a trailer. So who cares? There's no glamour. But these home being destroyed are middle and upper middle class homes. They are you and me, regular hard working people.

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