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SMITHVILLE – A short two weeks after the Powder Keg Pine Fire scorched 117 acres of land west of Smithville, the Amaze Fire lit and burned another 63 acres to the east of the city.
Local fire departments and task forces from across the county responded to the wildfire near Kirtley on State Highway 71, Aug. 15, around 6:30 p.m.
Within three hours, forces were able to achieve 75% containment, according to Texas A&M Forest Service.
No evacuations were necessary, as responders were quick to bulldoze cut lines across the perimeter and monitor hot spots.
The highway was only briefly closed down to traffic.
Firefighters worked through the night and achieved complete containment the following morning.
Bastrop County continues to be under severe fire risk, maintaining its burn ban and continuous red flag warnings.
Elgin Fire Chief Botello advises that drivers ensure there are no chains or pieces of metal dangling underneath their vehicles. Sparks from motorists could potentially be responsible for these roadside fires burning around the county.
