KUT Morning Newspod April 18, 2011
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Suspect Charged in Oak Hill Fire
A suspect has been charged with arson and arrested in connection with Sunday’s brush fire in Oak Hill’s Scenic Brook neighborhood. The suspect’s bond was set at $50,000. The Austin Fire Department says the suspect is a homeless man who was cooking eggs at a camp site during dry and windy conditions. Fire officials say he has been cooperative.
The blaze burned about 100 acres. AFD says 10 homes had major damage, and six more had minor damage. The fire was 50 percent contained Monday morning. AFD says firefighters are still monitoring hot spots.
Oak Hill Evacuations
164 homes remain evacuated from Sunday’s fire. For a map of the evacuated area click here. The city is also providing updates through recorded messages at 974-6199. Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell said a fire on this scale was a first for the city. KUT’s Matt Largey has more on the fire on today’s podcast.
Gov. Perry Requests Federal Disaster Declaration
Wildfires have been burning across the state. Over the weekend Governor Rick Perry sent a letter to President Obama requesting a Major Disaster Declaration. The governor listed 252 counties threatened or impacted by wildfires in the request. If approved, the declaration would make Texas eligible for federal aid.
CDC Advising Health Agencies During Budget Crunches
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released guidelines to help states and local health departments define priorities during these tight budget times. The new CDC guidelines reinforce the importance of surveillance and preparing and educating communities.
Podcast: Download (4.2MB)
