Wildfires

Labor Day is suppose to be about celebrating the last days of Summer, NOT about driving into blocked off highways because of a massive wildfire.

Labor Day is suppose to be about having a relaxing BBQ with friends and family, NOT about learning your own neighborhood is on fire.

Labor Day is suppose to be about swimming and having fun, NOT about evacuating from your home with fear in your heart.

This Labor Day was one that we'll never forget! We had actually packed up to leave to Houston Sunday afternoon to begin our fun holiday weekend. About 30 minutes outside of town Andrew got a phone call from the Golf Club alerting him of a grass fire across the street from his work. Due to the high winds it was moving fast and unpredictable. We were worried and on high alert but we continued on to Houston. Within 45 minutes of Austin, we were stopped in our tracks as we watched with our own eyes a wildfire burning right in front of us. We were turned around by state troopers in Bastrop due to a huge wildfire jumping across highway 71. At exactly the same time Andrew's phone starting ringing again, this time it was not his work updating us on the situation in Spicewood, instead it was my brother-in-law telling us that he was standing outside behind his store in Lakeway and could see flames and smoke coming from the Steiner Ranch area. With our faces in complete disbelief and our minds filled with confusion, we started to head north away from the Bastrop fire and with both phones ringing or texting, we had to decide to go back or continue on. My mom, who also lives in Steiner Ranch, was on the phone with me when she said the power had just gone out. Within minutes we started hearing of mandatory evacuations of the entire neighborhood...Andrew and I found ourselves in limbo. Continue on to Houston or return back to Austin...

Getting news and current updates on either fire was a nightmare! Around Bastrop cell phone service was intermittent due to all the police activity. We found a cut-around road and decided to continue on to Houston since we obviously couldn't return home. We were sick with worry for the entire night as we had no idea if our house was going to burn or if it would be safe. Luckily by 6am new information started coming in and we started to breath a little easier. However, knowledge was shared with us that a colleague's house was destroyed along with 24 other homes. After two days away, we are finally back home. The smell of smoke still lingers, but we're are thankful that everyone is safe from this unpredictable weekend wildfire. However, our hearts are very heavy as we know many were not so lucky and have lost everything precious and memorable to them. I know our wonderful community will rally to support and help those in need.

Below is video from Andrew's phone from the Bastrop fire Sunday afternoon...