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Memories Not Extinguished: Two Years Since Labor Day Wildfires

Jeff Heimsath for KUT News

Today marks two years since the start of the Labor Day wildfires – the worst in Texas history.

The fires in Bastrop, Pflugerville, Spicewood and Steiner Ranch in September of 2011 killed two people, destroyed 1,600 homes and burned tens of thousands of acres of land.

KUT produced an oral history titled “Forged in Flames” last year for the first anniversary of the fires. Go to KUT.org to hear the documentary, produced by KUT's Emily Donahue and the KUT News staff.

The flames may long be extinguished, but the memories likely never will.

Many people affected by the fires are still rebuilding. The Central Texas Red Cross just announced it’s putting a $1.5 million grant towards building homes for 30 families who lost theirs in the Bastrop wildfires.

A race to benefit the Bastrop State Park and help families attend the YMCA is happening this weekend.

KUT recently put together a list of the best sources for Central Texas wildfire information.

Laura first joined the KUT team in April 2012. She now works for the statewide program Texas Standard as a reporter and producer. Laura came to KUT from the world of television news. She has worn many different hats as an anchor, reporter and producer at TV stations in Austin, Amarillo and Toledo, OH. Laura is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, a triathlete and enjoys travel, film and a good beer. She enjoys spending time with her husband and pets.
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