A wildfire that ignited this week in Texas’ Bastrop County has grown quickly, now encompassing more than 4,500 acres, according to county officials.
The Hidden Pines fire has burned thousands of acres in and around Bastrop’s two state parks and claimed 40 structures including many homes, according to the Insurance Council of Texas.
The Associated Press reported that more than 150 homes remain at risk.
At last report the fire was 25 percent contained and several new fires had been breaking out in the area, the ICT reported.
Bastrop County was beset with wildfires in 2011 that destroyed more than 1,600 homes and caused $325 million in insured losses.
The insurance industry has already stepped up to provide assistance to those residents in need of money and expenses for temporary living arrangement, according to the ICT. Insurance companies are providing financial assistance for policyholders whose homes have been damaged by smoke and have required additional living expenses.
Companies have also provided needed supplies that were requested by the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department.
Insurance agencies in Smithville and Bastrop have been handling calls from policyholders who were forced to evacuate and have no idea whether their homes are still standing.
Corey Musick with Koehler Barton Insurance Agency in Bastrop said he has advised all of his policyholders to stay in touch with his office so that their claims can be handled as soon as possible.
Insured victims of the Hidden Pines wildfire are asked to keep in close contact with their insurance agent or company so that their home or auto claims can be handled as quickly as possible. Both insurance adjusters and residents in the area are awaiting word from fire officials on what has been damaged. So far, there have been no reports of injuries.
On area resident, Belinda Williams, who lost her home in the 2011 Bastrop fire, talked about the importance of having insurance when these types of tragedies occur.
“One thing that I will say is you must have insurance. My heart goes out to so many people who don’t have insurance,” Williams said. She barely escaped unharmed on Oct. 14 when she returned to her new home which was threatened by this week’s wildfire. Flames surrounded her vehicle as she drove off. Luckily, she has been told the fire did not reach her home.
Williams said she only got out of her house this time with the clothes on her back, but she will need new clothes for this Sunday’s worship service where her husband, the Rev. C.A. Williams serves as pastor.
“As we have said the Lord giveth and taketh away. I don’t know why this is happening, but you just have to keep the faith that he is going to see us through this and I’m living testimony,” she said.
Source: The Insurance Council of Texas
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